BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. has submitted a Biologics License Application (BLA) to the US FDA for Aryplase (galsulfase), an investigational enzyme replacement therapy for the treatment of mucopolysaccharidosis VI (MPS VI).

"This BLA submission represents a significant milestone in our effort to bring people with MPS VI the first specific treatment option for this debilitating, progressive and life-threatening disease," stated Stuart Swiedler, VP of Clinical Affairs at BioMarin. "We look forward to continuing to work with the FDA during the review process and to submitting a marketing application for Aryplase to the European Medicines Agency by the end of the year," he added.

At a pre-BLA meeting in September of this year, BioMarin met with FDA to discuss key information on Aryplase to be included in the BLA. Consistent with this meeting, the fully electronic BLA filing includes a comprehensive set of preclinical, clinical and manufacturing related information on Aryplase.

As part of the BLA submission, BioMarin has requested priority review, a request considered by the FDA for new product applications that address unmet medical needs. If the FDA accepts the BLA and grants the request for priority review, the FDA is expected to complete all aspects of the review and to take action on the application within six months of its submission. Aryplase has received fast track status and orphan drug designation, the company release said.

Aryplase is an investigational enzyme replacement therapy for the treatment of MPS VI. Aryplase is designed to address the underlying deficiency of MPS VI disease and provide the enzyme that people with MPS VI are lacking.

MPS VI, also known as Maroteaux-Lamy Syndrome, is an inherited debilitating, life-threatening disease for which no drug therapies are currently available. MPS VI is caused by the deficiency of N- acetylgalactosamine 4-sulfatase (arylsulfatase B), a lysosomal enzyme normally required for the breakdown of certain complex carbohydrates known as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). The majority of people with MPS VI die from disease-related complications between childhood and early adulthood.