Myozyme sales boost Genzyme profit

Genzyme Corp., the world's largest maker of drugs for rare genetic disorders, said fourth-quarter profit rose 9.8 percent on sales of Myozyme for the rare genetic disorder Pompe disease.

Net income increased to $86.7 million, or 31 cents a share, from $78.9 million, or 29 cents, a year earlier, the Cambridge company said yesterday.

Earnings excluding some costs beat by 2 cents the average estimate of analysts surveyed by Bloomberg.

Genzyme's medicines treat rare hereditary disorders caused by lack of enzymes needed for critical body functions. The drugs are some of the world's costliest and include Cerezyme for Gaucher disease and Aldurazyme for a condition called MPS1. Both cost about $200,000 a year.

Myozyme, the company's fastest-growing product, costs about $300,000 a year. Genzyme awaits US regulatory approval to expand production of the drug.

Shares fell 11 cents to $71.08.