Agalsidase alfa (Replagal(™)) in the treatment of Anderson-Fabry disease

Anderson-Fabry disease (AFD) is an X-linked storage disorder caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal hydrolase a-galactosidase A (AGAL) and the resultant accumulation of its glycosphingolipid substrate (Gb3) in several tissue types. Major morbidity and reduced life expectancy among affected individuals are a consequence of renal, cardiac and cerebrovascular involvement. Symptomatic males and females with AFD have been described, although the onset of clinical manifestations may be delayed and more variable among the latter patient group, partly attributed to lyonization. Agalsidase alfa (Replagal(™)) is a recombinant formulation of human AGAL which has been demonstrated to modify the course of AFD in treated patients. Factors that may influence clinical outcomes include disease stage at the point of treatment initiation and antibody formation. There is incomplete understanding of AFD pathophysiology. Early diagnosis and timely intervention may be essential. The use of adjunctive therapies, directed at risk reduction (eg, aspirin for stroke prophylaxis), require careful scrutiny, but such agents are likely to be vital components of a comprehensive approach to patient care. Long-term studies may clarify the optimal dose and frequency of enzyme administration. Meanwhile, budding strategies such as chaperone-mediated enzyme enhancement may offer the potential for an alternative or multimodality approach to the management of AFD.