Roche and Alnylam Strike $2.8 Billion RNAi Deal

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, a pharmaceutical company specializing in RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics, announced a strategic agreement with Roche on July 24, 2023. The focus of this agreement is to develop and commercialize zilebesiran, Alynlam’s investigational RNAi therapeutic intended for the treatment of hypertension. Under the agreement, Alnylam will receive $310 million in upfront payments for the rights to zilebesiran, with a total payment of approximately $2.8 billion contingent on satisfying various development, regulatory, and sales milestones.

According to a company press release, in a Phase I study, zilebesiran was associated with dose-dependent reductions in serum angiotensinogen relative to placebo. Patients achieved tonic blood pressure control with consistent and durable blood pressure reduction throughout a 24-hour period, sustained up to six months after single doses of ≥ 200 mg. The treatment is now in Phase II of clinical trial testing.

“We are thrilled to announce this collaboration, as it combines Alnylam’s proven track record in RNAi therapeutics with Roche’s global commercial reach, commitment to innovation, and desire to transform the landscape for patients with severe cardiovascular diseases,” said Yvonne Greenstreet, CEO, Alnylam, in the release. “With this collaboration, we now can develop zilebesiran in a more robust way, allowing us to have cardiovascular outcomes data in hand at launch to ensure results relevant not only for health authorities but also for access and clinical practice in order to ultimately reach as many patients as possible.”

“We are excited to work together with Alnylam and leverage our strong R&D capabilities, our leadership in cardiovascular diagnostics and our global commercial footprint to further develop and provide this promising therapy with best-in-disease potential to patients,” said Teresa Graham, CEO, Roche Pharma, in the release. “... Together with a strong partner like Alnylam, we are looking forward to making a significant impact for patients living with hypertension at high cardiovascular risk and potentially other cardiovascular indications.”

The agreement stipulates that Roche will receive exclusive rights to commercialize zilebeserian outside of the United States in exchange for low double-digit royalties on net sales of the treatment. The companies will co-commercialize the treatment in the US, splitting profits equally.

Source: Alnylam