In 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Elelyso (taliglucerase alfa) for long-term enzyme replacement therapy to treat a form of Gaucher disease, a rare genetic disorder. Elelyso is manufactured and distributed by New York City-based Pfizer, under license from Protalix BioTherapeutics.

Gaucher disease is the result of a buildup of certain fatty substances in certain organs, particularly your spleen and liver. This causes these organs to enlarge and can affect their function. The fatty substances also can build up in bone tissue, weakening the bone and increasing the risk of fractures.