Medal from the US President to the company that developed a cure for the "Jewish" disease

Genzaim, which develops drugs for rare genetic diseases, developed, among other things, a drug for Gaucher's disease, which mainly affects Jews. The Jewish connection does not end there: one of the senior employees at Genzim is the Israeli Zeev Zelig, who serves as the company's global vice president

Zev Zelig, vice president at Genzyme

"The Jewish public around the world should express gratitude to Genzyme for its contribution in finding a cure for rare genetic diseases, some of which mainly affect Jews, such as Gaucher's disease." Says Zev Zelig, global vice president at Genzyme, which won the highest certificate of honor awarded by the President of the United States for technological innovations - the National Medal for Technology. At the celebratory ceremony, held at the White House a few days ago, Genzyme was announced as a unique company that led to a dramatic improvement in the health of thousands of "orphan" patients, and that harnessed the promise of biotechnology for the development of unique and innovative treatments.

Genzyme, founded in 1981 as a small start-up, has since become a biotechnology giant with a turnover of 3.2 billion dollars in 2006. The company currently employs over 9,000 people in 90 countries around the world, including Israel. Last year it was chosen by "Fortune" magazine as one of the 18 best companies to work for in the US. The Israeli arm of Genzeim is located in Kfar Saba. Genzaim Israel employs XNUMX people.

Genzyme leads scientific and clinical studies designed to develop treatments for patients with rare genetic diseases. At the same time, the company offers therapeutic solutions for kidney patients, cancer, transplants, orthopedics and more. So far Genzyme has developed over a dozen products and is currently working on the development of additional products. In addition, the company takes an innovative approach designed to facilitate patients' access to treatments, and works to ensure that patients around the world receive treatments regardless of their geographic location and financial situation.

The National Medal of Technology is awarded in honor of individuals and companies that have contributed to the economy of the American nation, its well-being and the quality of its environment, and have developed and marketed technology-based products. The medal, awarded by the President of the USA since 1985, is considered the highest national award for innovation.