Taliglucerase alfa, a hydrolytic lysosomal glucocerebroside-specific enzyme for intravenous infusion, is a recombinant active form of the lysosomal enzyme, β-glucocerebrosidase, which is expressed in genetically modified carrot plant root cells cultured in a disposable bioreactor system (ProCellEx®). β-Glucocerebrosidase (β-D-glucosyl-N-acylsphingosine glucohydrolase, E.C. 3.2.1.45) is a lysosomal glycoprotein enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of the glycolipid glucocerebroside to glucose and ceramide.

ELELYSO is produced by recombinant DNA technology using plant cell culture (carrot). Purified taliglucerase alfa is a monomeric glycoprotein containing 4 N-linked glycosylation sites (Mr = 60,800). Taliglucerase alfa differs from native human glucocerebrosidase by two amino acids at the N terminal and up to 7 amino acids at the C terminal. Taliglucerase alfa is a glycosylated protein with oligosaccharide chains at the glycosylation sites having terminal mannose sugars. These mannose-terminated oligosaccharide chains of taliglucerase alfa are specifically recognized by endocytic carbohydrate receptors on macrophages, the cells that accumulate lipid in Gaucher disease.

ELELYSO is supplied as a sterile, non-pyrogenic, lyophilized product. The quantitative composition of each 200 Unit vial is D-mannitol (206.7 mg), polysorbate 80 (0.56 mg), sodium citrate (30.4 mg), and taliglucerase alfa (212 Units). Citric acid may be added to adjust the pH at the time of manufacture.

A Unit is the amount of enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of 1 micromole of the synthetic substrate para-nitrophenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (pNP-Glc) per minute at 37°C. After reconstitution with Sterile Water for Injection the taliglucerase alfa concentration is 40 Units/mL [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. Reconstituted solutions have a pH of approximately 6.0.

Last reviewed on RxList: 5/14/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.