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Drugs A–Z

Taliglucerase Alfa

Taliglucerase Alfa is a prescription medicine (Hydrolytic Lysosomal Glucocerebroside-specific Enzyme). The sections below reproduce one FDA label for it, named under "Label". Products in other forms, strengths or from other makers have their own labels, which can differ.

Type
Prescription only (Rx)
Brand names
Elelyso
Drug class
Hydrolytic Lysosomal Glucocerebroside-specific Enzyme
Taken
Intravenous
Label
Pfizer Laboratories Div Pfizer Inc, revised December 29, 2025 · full label on DailyMed
Biosimilars
None approved · details

Boxed warning — the FDA's most serious warning for a medicine

WARNING: HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS Patients treated with enzyme replacement therapies have experienced life‑threatening hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis has occurred during the early course of enzyme replacement therapy and after extended duration of therapy. Initiate ELELYSO in a healthcare setting with appropriate medical monitoring and support measures, including access to cardiopulmonary resuscitation equipment. If a severe hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) occurs, discontinue ELELYSO and immediately initiate appropriate medical treatment, including use of epinephrine. Inform patients of the symptoms of life‑threatening hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and to seek immediate medical care should symptoms occur [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . WARNING: HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.

  • Anaphylaxis has occurred during the early course of enzyme replacement therapy and after extended duration of therapy. ( 5.1 )
  • Initiate ELELYSO in a healthcare setting with appropriate medical monitoring and support measures, including access to cardiopulmonary resuscitation equipment. ( 5.1 )
  • If a severe hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) occurs, discontinue ELELYSO and immediately initiate appropriate medical treatment, including use of epinephrine. ( 5.1 )

What it is used for

ELELYSO is indicated for the treatment of patients 4 years of age and older with a confirmed diagnosis of Type 1 Gaucher disease. ELELYSO is a hydrolytic lysosomal glucocerebroside-specific enzyme indicated for the treatment of patients 4 years and older with a confirmed diagnosis of Type 1 Gaucher disease ( 1 ).

Forms and strengths

For injection: 200 units white to off-white lyophilized powder in a single-dose vial for reconstitution. For injection: 200 units lyophilized powder in a single-dose vial for reconstitution ( 3 )

Who should not take it (contraindications)

None. None ( 4 )

Warnings and precautions

See boxed warning ( 5.1 )

5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Including Anaphylaxis Life‑threatening h ypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have occurred in patients treated with enzyme replacement therapies, including ELELYSO . In clinical trials, (patients were not routinely pretreated with antihistamines and/or corticosteroids prior to ELELYSO infusions during the clinical trials):

  • 2 of 72 (3%) ELELYSO-treated patients experienced signs and symptoms consistent with anaphylaxis including urticaria, hypotension, flushing, wheezing, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. These reactions occurred during ELELYSO infusion.
  • 21 of 72 (29%) ELELYSO-treated patients experienced hypersensitivity reactions, including the 2 ELELYSO‑treated patients who experienced signs and symptoms consistent with anaphylaxis. Signs and symptoms of these hypersensitivity reactions included pruritus, angioedema, flushing, erythema, rash, nausea, vomiting, cough, chest tightness, and throat irritation. These reactions occurred during ELELYSO infusion and up to 3 hours after the start of infusion [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Anaphylaxis has occurred during the early course of enzyme replacement therapy and after extended duration of therapy. Administration of ELELYSO should be supervised by a healthcare provider knowledgeable in the management of hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis. Initiate ELELYSO in a healthcare setting with appropriate medical monitoring and support measures, including access to cardiopulmonary resuscitation equipment. Observe patients closely during and after the infusion. ELELYSO-treated patients who developed anti-taliglucerase alfa antibodies (referred to as anti-drug antibodies (ADA)) generally had a greater frequency of hypersensitivity reactions compared to those who did not develop ADA [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Closely monitor for hypersensitivity reactions in patients who develop ADA. Management of hypersensitivity reactions should be based on the severity of the reaction and includes slowing or temporary interruption of the infusion and/or administration of antihistamines, antipyretics, and/or corticosteroids for mild reactions. To reduce the risk of hypersensitivity reactions, consider pretreatment with antihistamines and/or corticosteroids. If a severe hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) occurs, discontinue ELELYSO and immediately initiate appropriate medical treatment, including use of epinephrine. Inform patients of the symptoms of life‑threatening hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and to seek immediate medical care should symptoms occur. Consider the risks and benefits of re-administering ELELYSO in patients who have experienced a severe hypersensitivity reaction associated with ELELYSO. Caution should be exercised upon rechallenge [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ].

Side effects (adverse reactions)

The most common adverse reactions are:

  • Treatment-Naïve Adults (≥5%): headache, arthralgia, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, abdominal pain, pruritus, flushing, vomiting, urticaria ( 6.1 ).
  • Patients who Switched from Imiglucerase, after 9 Months on Treatment (≥10%): arthralgia, headache, pain in extremity ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Pfizer Inc. at 1-800-438-1985 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adverse Reactions from Clinical Trials of ELELYSO as Initial Therapy

  • Clinical Trial in Adult Patients The safety of ELELYSO at dosages of either 30 units/kg (n=16) (50% of the recommended dosage) [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] or 60 units/kg (n=16) administered intravenously every other week was assessed in 32 adult treatment-naïve patients (aged 19 to 74 years) with Type 1 Gaucher disease in a 9-month double-blind, randomized clinical trial (Trial 1) [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . Table 1 presents the adverse reactions that occurred in these ELELYSO-treated patients. Table 1: Adverse Reactions in ≥5% of Treatment-Naïve Adult Patients Treated with ELELYSO Preferred Term Treatment-Naïve Adults (N=32) n (%) Headache 6 (19) Arthralgia 4 (13) Fatigue 3 (9) Nausea 3 (9) Dizziness 3 (9) Abdominal pain 2 (6) Pruritus 2 (6) Flushing 2 (6) Vomiting 2 (6) Urticaria 2 (6)
  • Clinical Trial in Pediatric Patients 16 Years of Age and Younger The safety of ELELYSO at dosages of either 30 units/kg (n=4) (50% of the recommended dosage) [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] or 60 units/kg (n=5) administered intravenously every other week was assessed in 9 pediatric treatment-naïve patients (aged 2 to 13 years) with Type 1 Gaucher disease in a 12-month randomized clinical trial (Trial 2) [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . The most common adverse reaction (≥10%) was vomiting, which occurred in 4 of 9 patients. Two patients developed hypersensitivity reactions; 1 patient experienced severe vomiting and gastrointestinal inflammation, and 1 experienced mild throat irritation and chest discomfort. Both patients responded to treatment with antihistamines and continued ELELYSO treatment. Adverse Reactions in a Clinical Trial in Patients Who Switched from Imiglucerase to ELELYSO The safety of ELELYSO was assessed in 31 patients (26 adult and 5 pediatric patients), ages 6 to 66 years old, with Type 1 Gaucher disease who had previously been receiving imiglucerase treatment for a minimum of 2 years (Trial 3). ELELYSO was administered intravenously every other week for 9 months at the same number of units as each patient's previous imiglucerase dose. Table 2 presents the adverse reactions in these ELELYSO-treated patients. Table 2: Adverse Reactions in ≥10% of ELELYSO-Treated Patients Who Switched from Imiglucerase to ELELYSO (after 9 months on treatment) Preferred Term Adult and Pediatric Patients Switched from Imiglucerase (N=31) n (%) Arthralgia 4 (13) Headache 4 (13) Pain in extremity 3 (10) Immunogenicity: Anti-Drug Antibody-Associated Adverse Reactions Trials 1, 2, and 3 evaluated ELELYSO enzyme replacement therapy (ERT)-naïve and ERT-experienced adult and pediatric patients with Gaucher disease [see Clinical Studies (14.1, 14.2) ] . In patients with Type 1 Gaucher disease, hypersensitivity reactions occurred in 36% (9/25) of ELELYSO-treated patients who developed ADA during the treatment period and in 15% (6/41) of ELELYSO-treated patients who did not develop ADA during the treatment period [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.6) ] . Of the 9 ELELYSO-treated patients who tested positive for ADA and who developed hypersensitivity reactions, 2 patients had anaphylaxis and 1 additional patient discontinued ELELYSO due to hypersensitivity reactions.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of ELELYSO. Because these reactions include those reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size in addition to those from postmarketing studies, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure:

  • Gastrointestinal disorders : Vomiting, diarrhea
  • General disorders and administration site conditions : Fatigue
  • Immune system disorders : Anaphylaxis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] , Type III immune mediated fixed drug eruption
  • Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders : Back pain

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children and older adults

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data, including data from a product registry and pharmacovigilance reports, have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes in pregnant women exposed to ELELYSO. Additionally, there are risks associated with untreated symptomatic Type I Gaucher disease in pregnant women ( see Clinical Considerations ). In animal reproduction studies when pregnant rats and rabbits were administered taliglucerase alfa at intravenous doses up to 5 times the recommended human dose (RHD), there was no evidence of embryo-fetal toxicity ( see Data ). The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk Women with Type 1 Gaucher disease have an increased risk of spontaneous abortion if disease symptoms are not treated and controlled pre-conception and during a pregnancy. Pregnancy may exacerbate existing Type 1 Gaucher disease symptoms or result in new disease manifestations. Type 1 Gaucher disease manifestations may lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including hepatosplenomegaly which can interfere with the normal growth of a fetus and thrombocytopenia which can lead to increased bleeding and possible postpartum hemorrhage requiring transfusion. Data Animal Data Reproduction studies have been performed with taliglucerase alfa administered during the period of organogenesis in rats and rabbits. In rats, intravenous doses up to 55 mg/kg/day (about 5 times the RHD of 60 units/kg based on the body surface area) did not cause any adverse effects on embryo-fetal development. In rabbits, intravenous doses up to 27.8 mg/kg/day (about 5 times the RHD of 60 units/kg based on the body surface area) did not show any embryo-fetal toxicity.

8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of taliglucerase alfa in human milk or the effects of taliglucerase alfa on milk production. Lactation data from a product registry have not identified adverse reactions in infants exposed to taliglucerase alfa during breastfeeding. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for ELELYSO and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from ELELYSO or from the underlying maternal condition.

8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of ELELYSO for the treatment of pediatric patients 4 years of age and older with a confirmed diagnosis of Type 1 Gaucher disease has been established. The use of ELELYSO for this indication is supported by evidence of effectiveness from adequate and well-controlled trials of ELELYSO in adults, with additional pharmacodynamic data from 5 pediatric patients and pharmacokinetic data from 9 pediatric patients who participated in clinical trials [see Clinical Studies (14.1 , 14.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Data from 14 pediatric patients were included in the safety evaluation [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. The safety and effectiveness of ELELYSO has not been established in patients less than 4 years of age. Pediatric patients experienced a higher frequency of vomiting during ELELYSO treatment (4 of 9 treatment-naïve patients) than adult patients, and this may be a symptom of hypersensitivity reaction. The frequencies of other adverse reactions were similar between pediatric and adult patients treated with ELELYSO [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] .

8.5 Geriatric Use During clinical trials, 8 patients aged 65 or older were treated with ELELYSO. Clinical trials of ELELYSO did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients.

How it works

Gaucher disease is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the human glucocerebrosidase gene, which results in a reduced activity of the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase. Glucocerebrosidase catalyzes the conversion of the sphingolipid glucocerebroside into glucose and ceramide. The enzymatic deficiency results in accumulation of substrate glucocerebroside primarily in the lysosomal compartment of macrophages, giving rise to foam cells or "Gaucher cells," which accumulate in the liver, spleen and bone marrow. ELELYSO, an enzyme replacement therapy, is a recombinant analog of human lysosomal glucocerebrosidase that catalyzes the hydrolysis of glucocerebroside to glucose and ceramide, reducing the amount of accumulated glucocerebroside. ELELYSO uptake into cellular lysosomes is mediated by binding of ELELYSO mannose oligosaccharide chains to specific mannose receptors on the cell surface leading to internalization and subsequent transport to the lysosomes.

Are there biosimilars to Taliglucerase Alfa?

No. The FDA has not approved a biosimilar yet.

Biologics have biosimilars rather than generics: highly similar versions with no clinically meaningful differences. Only biosimilars the FDA designates as interchangeable can be swapped at the pharmacy without asking the prescriber, where state law allows; the FDA Purple Book lists which ones are.

Brand-name versions

Source: Drugs@FDA (via openFDA), checked October 29, 2026. Marketing status is what companies report to the FDA; whether a pharmacy stocks a product, and what your insurance covers, can differ.

Dosage:
we do not reproduce dosing instructions. The right dose depends on the person and the condition and is set by the prescriber or pharmacist. Dosage section of the full label.

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Source: FDA structured product labeling, retrieved through openFDA. Label text is shown as published by the FDA, without editing; long sections are shortened, marked […]. openFDA data are not validated for clinical use — always check the current label and ask a doctor or pharmacist about your own treatment. Set ID fa3cbd5d-677c-4b19-9032-d9182cb69a83.


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Important: this content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice, a prescribing instruction, or a recommendation to act. Consult a licensed healthcare professional before taking any medication.

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