The shortages of Genzyme’s blockbuster enzyme replacement therapy Cerezyme, caused by viral contamination at a manufacturing facility, has cast a spotlight on new treatments in the pipeline for the rare genetic disorder Gaucher’s disease.

With around 10,000 people in the world thought to suffer from the lysosomal storage disorder it certainly represents a niche indication and Cerezyme, which generated sales of $1.24bn last year, has largely cornered the market. However, analysts believe that alternative therapies in development by Shire, Protalix and Amicus Therapeutics certainly have the potential to grab some share (see table), particularly following Genzyme’s troubles, and important clinical results due over the next few months from all the new candidates will be closely scrutinised.