Inherited metabolic diseases is a group term for a variety of different medical conditions caused by genetic defect, which result in problems with the body's metabolism. The metabolism breaks down food and chemicals for the body to use as fuel or to store it for future use. Metabolic disorders occur when there is a deficiency in a particular hormone or enzyme that is vital to the chemical process.  

Hundreds of inherited metabolic diseases have been identified, but some of the most common include Gaucher disease, Hurler syndrome, phenylketonuria, and urea cycle disorder. Signs of an inherited metabolic disease vary depending on the condition, but common symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, jaundice, abdominal pain, and an abnormal odor to bodily fluids such as saliva or sweat. 

Treatment of inherited metabolic diseases depends on the condition but generally focuses on dietary changes to eliminate foods that cannot be metabolized properly. Physicians may also prescribe enzyme replacements and treat the blood to remove dangerous and toxic chemical by-products. Drug classes prescribed to treat inherited metabolic conditions include metabolic enzyme therapy, other, Gaucher's disease agents, mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) agents, and Fabry disease agents.