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BioMarin Pharmaceutical

bmrn · NASDAQ Healthcare
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FY2004 Annual Report · BioMarin Pharmaceutical
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Annual Report 2004 

BioMarin

BioMarin develops and commercializes innovative  

biopharmaceuticals for serious diseases and medical

conditions. Since the founding of the company in  

1997, BioMarin has transformed into a fully integrated 

biopharmaceutical company with expertise to advance 

products from the clinic into the market.

Matching Proven Science With  

In May 2004, BioMarin added Orapred® 

Proven Needs BioMarin applies its  

(prednisolone sodium phosphate oral 

scientific know-how and clinical and  

solution) for asthma to its product portfolio. 

regulatory expertise to rapidly and  

The patent-protected, taste-masking 

efficiently develop therapies that address 

technology of Orapred helps cover the 

the critical needs of individuals seeking 

bitter taste of prednisolone, making it easier 

new treatment options. The company  

for children to take without experiencing  

has made significant progress on this front  

a natural gag reflex induced by other  

and today has two approved products  

liquid formulations of prednisolone.

on the market and multiple opportunities  

in its development pipeline. 

Aldurazyme® (laronidase) for MPS I 

(mucopolysaccharidosis I) received marketing 

Looking Forward BioMarin is working  

to bring additional products to market,  

including rhASB (galsulfase) for MPS VI  
(mucopolysaccharidosis VI) and Phenoptin™ 

approval in the United States and European 

(sapropterin hydrochloride) for PKU  

Union in the second quarter of 2003, making 

(phenylketonuria)—two product candidates 

it the company’s first marketed product. 

which, if approved, could become the  

Today, Aldurazyme continues to be the only 

first drug therapies for the treatment of these 

drug therapy for this progressive and  

inherited metabolic diseases.

life-threatening disease. 

Products and Pipeline

rhASB for MPS VI

Phenoptin™ for PKU

Vibrilase™ for Burns

Phenylase™ for Severe PKU

Opportunities to Improve Patient Lives

Products on the Market

Aldurazyme®  
(laronidase)  
for MPS I

Orapred®  
(prednisolone sodium phosphate  
oral solution) for asthma

First drug therapy for the  
treatment of MPS I

Follow-on formulations 
in development

Pipeline

Preclinical 
testing 

Phase 1 

Phase 2 

Phase 3 

BLA/NDA
MAA

MPS I and MPS VI are both progressive 

PKU is one of the most commonly inherited 

and life-threatening lysosomal storage 

metabolic diseases. It is caused by a 

disorders caused by a deficiency of specific 

deficiency of phenylalanine hydroxylase 

enzymes. Individuals with MPS I and MPS VI 

commonly experience debilitating symptoms, 

including impaired cardiac and pulmonary 

function, delayed physical development, 

skeletal and joint deformities, impaired vision 

and hearing, and reduced endurance. 

MPS I and MPS VI frequently result in death 

between childhood and early adulthood. 

(PAH), an enzyme needed to metabolize 

phenylalanine (Phe). Phe is an amino acid 

found in most protein-containing foods.  

If not metabolized, it accumulates to 

abnormally high levels in the blood and 

other tissues. Sustained high Phe levels can 

cause serious neurological complications, 

including mental retardation, mental illness, 

loss of IQ, seizures and tremors, and 

cognitive problems.

1

 
 
 
 
PKU Opportunities

How do I feel about PKU? It is a lot harder than 

some people think. My mom cooks me goodies, 

but they will never match up to real bread  

or pizza.

Madeleine, Age 12, PKU

Creating Possibilities

Imagine opening a refrigerator to find 

BioMarin is seeking to help 

only a few foods you could eat without 

individuals with PKU better manage 

jeopardizing your health. Many individuals 

their disease. To do this, the company 

living with PKU experience this daily. To 

is currently evaluating two investigational 

manage the disease and maintain non-toxic 

approaches for treating the full spectrum 

blood Phe levels, individuals must adhere to 

of PKU: Phenoptin, an oral small molecule 

a severely restricted diet, one consisting of 

therapeutic for mild to moderate forms of 

foods that are low in Phe and supplemented 

the disease, and Phenylase™ (phenylalanine 

with medical foods, many of which are 

ammonia lyase), an injectable enzyme 

unpalatable and expensive. In October 

substitution therapy for more severe forms. 

2000, a Consensus Panel convened by the 

If proven to be safe and effective, these 

National Institutes of Health concluded 

investigational therapies could provide 

that individuals need to adhere to this diet 

individuals with PKU tools to better manage 

throughout life and that failure to do so  

their disease, a task which is currently 

can result in significant decline of mental  

difficult to do given the presence of Phe in 

and behavioral performance. Despite this 

most commonly consumed foods.*

conclusion, however, this diet is too difficult 

for many to comply with; approximately  

80 percent of individuals with PKU stray 

from it during adolescence and adulthood. 

•  Bread: 146 mg of Phe (slice)

•  Corn on the Cob: 256 mg of Phe (ear)

•  Cake: 328 mg of Phe (slice)

•  Steak: 945 mg of Phe (85 g)

2

 * Approximate Phe levels. Individuals with classical PKU typically consume a Phe-restricted diet containing approximately  
  300 mg to 600 mg of Phe per day. An individual’s allowable daily Phe intake varies on several factors, including  
  their size and severity of the disease. 

Product Progress

When I graduate from college, I want to design  

clothing for people who are small like me—

we want to be fashionable too! 

Kendra, College Freshman, MPS VI

Moving Forward

With each milestone we reach,  

The company also took steps towards 

The company also advanced clinical 

we also are helping others reach important 

expanding the market of Orapred for 

development of Phenoptin for PKU, moving  

milestones of their own—milestones that 

asthma. While the current liquid formulation  

from the initiation of the development program 

reflect they are growing up and moving 

is used primarily for treating young 

into a Phase 3 clinical trial in just over one 

forward with their lives. 

children, follow-on formulations, including 

year. BioMarin estimates that approximately  

In 2004, BioMarin reached significant 

milestones throughout its product portfolio. 

By the close of the year, over 350 

individuals worldwide were receiving 

Aldurazyme for MPS I, the first specific 

drug therapy for this disease. BioMarin 

expects this number to increase as  

more individuals are identified and as 

marketing authorization is received  

in additional countries. 

an oral disintegrating tablet, could be 

used to treat older children and adults. 

BioMarin submitted marketing applications 

in the United States and European Union 

for rhASB, the company’s investigational 

treatment for MPS VI. The U.S. Food and Drug 

Administration (FDA) granted the application 

six-month review status, setting the stage 

for a decision by mid-2005. If approved, 

BioMarin plans to commercialize rhASB 

within the United States and to seek a partner 

for ex-U.S. commercialization. Regulatory 

agencies in both the United States and 

European Union have granted rhASB for 

MPS VI orphan drug designation. There is 

currently no specific drug therapy for the 

treatment of MPS VI. 

30 to 50 percent of the 50,000 diagnosed 

individuals living in the developed world 

could potentially benefit from this therapy. 

Phenylase, the company’s preclinical-

stage enzyme substitution therapy, is being 

evaluated for treatment of those with more 

severe forms of PKU, likely those who do  

not respond to Phenoptin. The U.S. FDA has 

granted orphan drug designation to both 

Phenoptin and Phenylase for the treatment  

of PKU. The European Medicines Evaluation 

Agency has also granted Phenoptin  

orphan drug designation.  

6

Letter to Stockholders

I am inspired to do my best knowing that what I do could  

positively impact others and help them accomplish their  

own dreams and aspirations.

Cheri Piscia-Nichols, Clinical Research Associate,  

has worked at BioMarin for 7 years

To Our Stockholders

The year of 2004 was marked by significant progress and important changes in our business. 

Throughout the year, we continued to meet critical milestones. After announcing positive 

data from our Phase 3 trial of rhASB for MPS VI, we then successfully prepared and filed 

marketing authorization applications in both the United States and European Union. Today, 

we continue to work closely with regulatory agencies and hope to bring rhASB to market  

in the United States in the second half of 2005, and to European countries soon thereafter,  

pending regulatory approvals. If approved, rhASB could become our second commercialized 

product to be developed and manufactured by BioMarin and our first in-house product to be 

marketed by our U.S.-based sales force, which we added to our business in May 2004.

We also made significant progress in our PKU program, moving it from a pilot study at the 

beginning of the year, into a Phase 2 trial by the close of the year, and into a Phase 3 

trial in early 2005. Additionally, the partnership we formed this year with Daiichi Suntory 

Pharma Co., Ltd., further strengthens our intellectual property position surrounding the 

manufacturing of Phenoptin and helps ensure an adequate supply of the investigational 

drug for clinical trials. 

From a commercial perspective, we seek to fully leverage our commercial infrastructure, 

which includes a sales force that calls on over 17,000 pediatricians nationwide. With this 

strategic business asset in place, we now have the capability to market approved products 

in the United States without the need for an external partner. This positions us to capture 

greater value from products emerging from our pipeline as well as the opportunity to 

enter into co-promotion agreements with companies seeking to bring products to market. 

With regard to our marketed products, in 2004, we were pleased to see the first quarterly 

profit from Aldurazyme for MPS I, which we developed in partnership with Genzyme 

Corporation. We expect to see continued revenue growth of Aldurazyme in 2005 as more 

individuals with MPS I are identified and individuals currently in extended clinical studies  

are transitioned to commercial therapy. 

6

Sara Isbell, Research Associate II, Cellular Genetics

We recognize the substantial challenge we face with Orapred, a U.S. FDA-approved 

Executives

Board of Directors

Science Advisory Board

liquid oral steroid that we added to our portfolio in May 2004. The recent introduction  

of generic competition has created a highly competitive environment. We are committed 

to doing everything possible to ensure Orapred positively impacts our bottom line. 

We believe that Orapred and its proprietary taste-masking technology continues to offer 

advantages over other liquid formulations of prednisolone and that follow-on formulations, 

including an oral disintegrating tablet (‘Orapred ODT’), provide us with the opportunity  

to further expand our target market. 

We have come a long way since our founding in 1997, thanks to our dedicated employees 

and leadership team, the pioneering spirit of individuals involved in our clinical trials,  

and the support of our stockholders. 

On behalf of BioMarin and our Board of Directors, I express my thanks to all and  

I look forward to sharing our progress with you throughout the year.

Louis Drapeau, Acting Chief Exective Officer

Stock Listing

Forward-Looking Statement

BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.  
is listed on the Nasdaq National  
Market and the SWX Swiss  
Exchange under the symbol BMRN.

Transfer Agent

Mellon Investor Services
85 Challenger Road
Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660
T: 800.356.2017 (Domestic)
T: 201.329.8660 (International)

Corporate Headquarters

BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.
105 Digital Drive
Novato, CA 94949
T: 415.506.6700
F: 415.382.7889
ir@bmrn.com

www.BMRN.com

This Annual Report contains ‘forward-looking  

statements’ as defined under securities laws. Many 

of these statements can be identified by the use of 

terminology such as ‘believes,’ ‘expects,’ ‘anticipates,’ 

‘plans,’ ‘intends,’ ‘may,’ ‘will,’ ‘projects,’ ‘continues,’  

‘estimates,’ ‘potential,’ ‘opportunity,’ and so on. Our  

actual results or experience could differ significantly 

from the forward-looking statement. Factors that  

could cause or contribute to these differences include 

the results of our current clinical trials, our ability  

to successfully market our products, if we are able to  

obtain regulatory approval and the other factors  

discussed in the enclosed Form 10-K and the section  

entitled ‘Factors That May Affect Future Results’ therein.

You should not place undue influence on these  

forward-looking statements which speak only as of the 

date that they were made. These cautionary statements 

should be considered in connection with any written  

or oral forward-looking statements that we may issue  

in the future. We do not undertake any obligation to 

release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking 

statements after completion of the distribution of this  

Annual Report to reflect later events or circumstances  

or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. 

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Louis Drapeau 
Acting Chief Executive Officer 

Robert A. Baffi, Ph.D. 
Senior Vice President, 
Technical Operations

Emil D. Kakkis, M.D., Ph.D. 
Senior Vice President, 
Business Operations

Christopher M. Starr, Ph.D.
Co-founder, Senior Vice President 
and Chief Scientific Officer 

Pierre Lapalme
Chairman,
Former President 
and Chief Executive Officer
North America Ethypharm, Inc. 

Franz Cristiani 
Retired Partner 
Arthur Andersen LLP

Elaine Heron, Ph.D.
Chairman and 
Chief Executive Officer
Labcyte Inc.

Stuart J. Swiedler, M.D., Ph.D 
Senior Vice President, 
Clinical Affairs

Erich Sager
Partner
BelMont Invest AG. 

Jeffrey H. Cooper 
Vice President, 
Acting Chief Financial Officer

John Urquhart, M.D. 
Chief Scientist 
AARDEX Ltd. 

Gwynn Williams 
Private Investor

G. Eric Davis
Vice President, 
Corporate Counsel  
and Assistant Secretary

Daniel P. Maher
Vice President, 
Program Management 

Kim R. Tsuchimoto 
Vice President, 
Treasurer 

Jeffrey Borer, M.D. 
Gladys and Roland Harriman  
Professor, Cardiovascular Medicine
Chief, Division of Cardiovascular  
Pathophysiology
Director, The Howard Gilman  
Institute for Valvular Heart Diseases
Weill Medical College of Cornell University

Robert Langer, Sc.D. 
Institute Professor 
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

William Mobley, M.D., Ph.D. 
Professor, Neurology and  
Neurological Sciences  
Director, Neuroscience Institute  
at Stanford
Stanford University

Steven Peikin, M.D. 
Professor of Medicine and Head,  
Division of Gastroenterology  
and Liver Diseases 
Robert Wood Johnson Medical School  
and Cooper University Hospital 

David Rimoin, M.D., Ph.D. 
Director, Medical Genetics  
Research Institute
Steven Spielberg Chair 
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

James Swartz, D.Sc. 
Professor, Department  
of Chemical Engineering 
Stanford University

John Urquhart, M.D. 
Chief Scientist 
AARDEX Ltd.

© BioMarin 2004. 
Aldurazyme® is a registered trademark of BioMarin/Genzyme LLC.  
Orapred® is a registered trademark of Medicis Pediatrics, Inc. and is used under license.

 
 
 
 
BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.

105 Digital Drive
Novato, CA 94949
T: 415.506.6700
F: 415.382.7889

www.BMRN.com

MATCHING PROVEN SCIENCE WITH PROVEN NEEDS