Genzyme temporarily halts work at Allston plant

Genzyme Corp., the Cambridge biotechnology company, said it is temporarily interrupting bulk production at its Allston Landing manufacturing facility because it has detected a virus that impairs cell growth in one of the facility's six bioreactors.

The interruption could impact the availability of drugs for two rare diseases, the company added.

In a press release, the company said it now plans to sanitize the facility and it expects the plant to again be "fully operational by the end of July." The virus strain, Vesivirus 2117, "has not been shown to cause human infection," Genzyme said.

"Genzyme is collaborating with regulatory agencies as it works to resume production," the press release added.

The Allston plant primarily makes drugs for two rare genetic diseases - Cerezyme for Gaucher disease and Fabrazyme for Fabry disease.

"Current inventories for Cerezyme (imiglucerase for injection) and Fabrazyme (agalsidase beta) are not sufficient to meet projected global demand," Genzyme said in a press release. "The timing and extent of the Cerezyme supply constraint is being clarified and will be communicated as soon as possible. The company expects Fabrazyme supply constraints to occur for a limited period beginning in September."

Last Sunday's Globe featured a story about Cerezyme. To read that story, please click here.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)