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What Is Genzyme?

Satisfactory Essays

Since its inception in 1981, Genzyme, a biotechnology company, has pursued a path remarkably different from its peers: develop drugs for rare diseases rather than “blockbuster” drugs. The company continued to operate independently managing its own production, sales, and testing facilities rather than collaborating with large pharmaceutical companies. It went public in 1986, raising $27 million. By 2006, Genzyme was the world’s third-largest biotechnology company. In 2011, it was acquired by Sanofi, a French drug company in a $20 billion mutually beneficial deal.

Genzyme's focus on small, but immensely profitable markets for rare diseases and its novel strategy to stay independent has given it formidable returns. However, its acquisition by

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