By Tess Stynes
Protalix BioTherapeutics Inc. (PLX) received approval from
regulators in Mexico and Chile for its Uplyso treatment for Type I
Gaucher disease
The Israel-based company's shares were up 6.4% at $5.86 in
recent premarket trading. Through Friday's close, the stock is down
21% in the past 12 months.
The long-term injectable enzyme replacement therapy for
adults--also known as alfataliglicerase--will be marketed in the
two countries by Protalix's commercialization partner, Pfizer Inc.
(PFE).
The drug--known as Elelyso outside Latin America--was approved
by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last year and has also
received regulatory approval in other countries including Israel
and Brazil.
Gaucher disease is an inherited lysosomal storage disorder that
can cause severe and debilitating symptoms including enlargement of
the liver and spleen. According to a statement from Protalix, the
most common form of Gaucher disease is Type 1, which is found at a
higher frequency among individuals who are of Ashkenazi Jewish
ancestry.
Write to Tess Stynes at Tess.Stynes@dowjones.com
Subscribe to WSJ: http://online.wsj.com?mod=djnwires