The Hunter syndrome drug Elaprase, marketed by Genzyme Australasia, will be funded by the federal government under its life saving drugs program.

Hunter syndrome, or Mucopolysaccharidosis II, is a rare inherited enzyme disorder is caused by a deficiency in the iduronate-2-sulfatase enzyme, which is necessary for recycling certain complex carbohydrates.

Symptoms can include joint stiffness, breathing difficulties, heart problems, enlargement of the spleen an liver and skeletal deformities.

Elaprase replaces the missing enzyme needed to break down these complex carbohydrates.

Genzyme will continue providing free access to the treatment to two Hunter syndrome patients until it becomes government-funded on December 1.