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Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
from Wikipedia

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an American biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics[3] for genetically defined diseases. The company was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.[4] In 2016, Forbes included the company on its "100 Most Innovative Growth Companies" list.[5]

Key Information

History

[edit]

The company is a spin-off from the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry.[6] In 2002, Alnylam was founded by scientists Phillip Sharp, Paul Schimmel, David Bartel, Thomas Tuschl, and Phillip Zamore, and by investors Christoph Westphal and John Kennedy Clarke; John Maraganore was the founding CEO.[5][7][8] The company was named after Alnilam, a star in Orion's belt. The spelling was modified to make it unique.[9] In 2003, the firm merged with the German pharmaceutical company, Ribopharma AG. The newly formed company also received $24.6 million in funding from private-equity firms.[10][11] On February 27, 2004, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals filed for an IPO.[7][12] The company raised $26 million and began trading as ALNY on the Nasdaq stock exchange.[13]

In 2005, the company partnered with Medtronic to develop drug-device combinations to treat neurodegenerative disorders,[14] and in 2006 with Biogen Idec to develop treatments of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.[15] In 2007, it entered into a nonexclusive alliance with Hoffmann-La Roche, in which Alnylam received $331 million in exchange for access to its technology platform.[16] and also partnered with Ionis Pharmaceuticals to found the company Regulus Therapeutics, focused on microRNA therapeutics.[17]

In 2009, the company formed alliances with Cubist Pharmaceuticals and Kyowa Hakko Kirin to market a drug targeted at respiratory syncytial virus.[18] In 2010, it expanded its previous collaboration with Medtronic to include the CHDI Foundation in its Huntington's disease focused research.[19] In 2011, it partnered with GlaxoSmithKline to develop RNAi technology enhancing vaccine production.[20][21] The company entered into a 10-year alliance with Monsanto in 2012, to develop biotech solutions for the farming industry by developing natural molecules for crop protection.[22][23][24] In 2012, it formed a partnership with Sanofi Genzyme to develop a treatment for transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis, a hereditary disease in Asia.[25][independent source needed] In February 2013, it formed a partnership with The Medicines Company to develop a drug to treat a genetic form of high cholesterol.[26]

In July 2013, during a Phase I trial Alnylam demonstrated statistically significant reduction of a protein called transthyretin, or TTR and demonstrated human efficacy with intravenous and subcutaneous modes of administration.[27] In 2014, Sanofi Genzyme acquired a 12 percent stake in Alnylam and increased its rights to several of the company's drugs for $700 million. In a separate transaction Alnylam announced that it had purchased Merck & Co.'s Sirna Therapeutics, for $25 million cash and $150 million in stock.[28][29] In 2015, the company had $41 million in revenue and a market cap of $5.2 billion.[30]

In 2016, the company purchased land in Norton, Massachusetts to build a manufacturing facility.[31][32]

In October 2016 the Phase III clinical trial of the company's lead product, revusiran, was halted due to increased deaths in the drug arm of the trial, and the company said it was terminating development of the compound.[33][34]

On October 10, 2018, Alnylam appoints Margaret Hamburg to Board of Directors. Prior to this, from May 2009 to April 2015, she serves as Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).[35]

In February 2020, Alnylam appointed former Sanofi CEO Olivier Brandicourt to its board of directors.[36] In 2021, it was announced that Maraganore would step down as CEO, to be succeeded by the company's chief operating officer, Yvonne Greenstreet, on January 1, 2022.[37]

In December 2021, Alnylam submitted a clinical trial authorisation (CTA) application to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency in the United Kingdom to initiate a Phase 1 study of ALN-APP, an investigational RNAi therapeutic targeting amyloid precursor protein (APP) for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and cerebral amyloid angiopathy.[38]

On December 22, 2021, Novartis announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Leqvio (inclisiran), a small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapy to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Leqvio is indicated in the United States as an adjunct to diet and maximally tolerated statin therapy for the treatment of adults with clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) who require additional lowering of LDL-C. The effect of Leqvio on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality is being explored in clinical trials currently underway. Novartis obtained global rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize Leqvio under a license and collaboration agreement with Alnylam Pharmaceuticals.[39]

Alnylam still does not earn money, but writes losses. The losses ("GAAP Operating Loss") from Alnylam were around $650 million in the late 2020. Alnylam expects to achieve net profits financially in 2022 or 2023.[40]

In July 2023, Roche partnered with Alnylam Pharmaceuticals in a deal worth $2.8 billion for the development of a hypertension drug.[41]

Products

[edit]

In 2016, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals had 18 potential treatments[42] in various development stages in genetic medicine, cardiometabolic disease and hepatic infectious disease.

In late 2016, the company's lead candidate in phase III studies was patisiran, a treatment targeting transthyretin (TTR) for the treatment of TTR-mediated amyloidosis (ATTR), in patients with the compromised nervous system condition of familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP).[33] In August 2018, with its commercial name Onpattro, patisiran received the U.S. regulatory approval to treat polyneuropathy in patients with hereditary ATTR amyloidosis.[43]

FDA on patisiran

[edit]

In September 2023, the FDA raised doubts about the efficacy of patisiran for treating cardiomyopathy associated with transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (ATTR-CM). The FDA's Cardiovascular and Renal Drugs Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for September 13, 2023. Although the APOLLO-B study met key endpoints, the FDA questioned the clinical significance of the results particularly for patients not on background therapy with tafamidis. The FDA is seeking the committee's input on the clinical meaningfulness and patient populations for patisiran use potentially challenging Pfizer's tafamidis dominance in ATTR-CM treatment. A decision on Alnylam's application is expected by October 8, 2023. Patisiran was previously approved in 2018 for hereditary ATTR amyloidosis polyneuropathy, becoming the first RNA interference therapeutic approved by the FDA.[44]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an American biopharmaceutical company headquartered in , that specializes in the discovery, development, and commercialization of (RNAi) therapeutics designed to silence genes responsible for causing or contributing to diseases. Founded on June 14, 2002, by a group of scientists including Phillip Sharp, David Bartel, Thomas Tuschl, Paul Schimmel, and Phillip Zamore, the company was established to translate the groundbreaking 1998 discovery of RNAi by and —later awarded the in Physiology or Medicine in 2006—into innovative medicines. Alnylam's mission centers on pioneering this new class of therapeutics using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to target and disable disease-causing genes, with a focus on rare and prevalent diseases across therapeutic areas such as , , , hemophilia, and cardiovascular conditions. The company has achieved significant milestones in RNAi technology, beginning with the in-licensing of foundational Tuschl 1 and Tuschl 2 patents in 2002, which enabled the development of its proprietary platform. Alnylam's first RNAi therapeutic, ONPATTRO® (patisiran), received U.S. (FDA) approval in 2018 for the treatment of hereditary transthyretin-mediated (hATTR) with , marking the first approval of an RNAi worldwide. Since then, Alnylam has secured four additional FDA approvals for its proprietary RNAi therapeutics as of 2025: GIVLAARI® (givosiran) in 2019 for acute hepatic porphyria (AHP); OXLUMO® (lumasiran) in 2020 for primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1); AMVUTTRA® (vutrisiran) in 2022 for hATTR with , with an expanded indication in March 2025 for transthyretin with (ATTR-CM), making it the first RNAi therapeutic to address cardiovascular outcomes in this disease; Qfitlia™ (fitusiran) in March 2025 for hemophilia A or B with or without inhibitors; in addition to partnership involvement in Leqvio® (), approved in 2021 for hypercholesterolemia. Alnylam maintains a robust investigational pipeline, with several candidates advancing in late-stage clinical development as of November 2025, including nucresiran and amvuttra expansions for ATTR (Phase 3), cemdisiran (with or without pozelimab) for and other indications (Phase 3), zilebesiran for (Phase 3, advancing to global cardiovascular outcomes trial), and earlier-stage programs like rapirosiran for metabolic dysfunction-associated (MASH) (Phase 2) and mivelsiran for and (Phase 2 and 1, respectively). The company's innovations, such as the Enhanced Stabilization Chemistry (ESC) platform and GalNAc conjugate delivery technology, have improved the efficacy, duration, and administration of its therapies, primarily subcutaneous injections administered every three to six months. Alnylam is publicly traded on the under the ticker symbol ALNY and emphasizes corporate responsibility, including diversity, inclusion, and transparency in its operations.

History

Founding

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals was established on June 14, 2002, in , as a company dedicated to advancing (RNAi) therapeutics. The company was founded by a group of prominent scientists: Phillip Sharp, a Nobel laureate in Physiology or Medicine; Paul Schimmel, a structural biologist; David Bartel, an expert in microRNAs; Thomas Tuschl, a pioneer in small interfering RNAs (siRNAs); and Phillip Zamore, a specializing in RNA biology. These founders brought expertise from key discoveries in the late 1990s that demonstrated RNAi as a natural mechanism for , building on foundational work recognized by the 2006 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine awarded to and for their RNAi research. From its inception, Alnylam focused on commercializing RNAi technology to develop therapeutics that silence disease-causing genes, licensing foundational patents such as the Tuschl 1 and 2 patents from institutions including MIT, the Whitehead Institute, and the in 2002. The company's early efforts were supported by initial venture capital financing, raising approximately $17 million in a led by Venture Partners and other investors shortly after incorporation. This funding enabled the establishment of operations and the pursuit of RNAi-based platforms. The name "Alnylam" is derived from , the bright central star in the constellation , which has guided navigators for millennia and symbolizes the company's vision for discovery and innovation in genetic medicine.

Early development

Following its incorporation in 2002, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals experienced rapid early growth through strategic acquisitions and leadership appointments that solidified its focus on (RNAi) therapeutics. In July 2003, the company acquired Ribopharma AG, a German RNAi firm based in , for $1.5 million in cash and 1,549,216 shares of , which enhanced Alnylam's expertise in (siRNA) technology and established a key European operational presence. This merger integrated Ribopharma's siRNA research capabilities, allowing Alnylam to accelerate its foundational work in RNAi-based drug discovery. Additionally, John Maraganore was appointed as the company's founding CEO in 2002, providing strategic direction that emphasized building a robust RNAi platform amid the emerging field of therapeutics. Alnylam's early expansion included pivotal partnerships that provided financial and technological support for its research initiatives. In February 2005, Alnylam entered a collaboration with to develop novel drug-device combinations incorporating RNAi therapeutics, targeting neurodegenerative disorders through innovative delivery systems. This alliance marked one of Alnylam's first efforts to address RNAi delivery challenges via medical devices. Building on this, in September 2005, Alnylam formed a landmark alliance with for the discovery, development, and commercialization of RNAi therapeutics across multiple disease areas, with Novartis acquiring a 19.9% stake in Alnylam and providing significant upfront funding to support platform expansion. These partnerships enabled Alnylam to secure resources for preclinical advancements, including the refinement of its core RNAi platform for targeting genetic diseases. By 2004, Alnylam had prepared for public market entry to fuel further growth. The company went public on May 28, 2004, on the under the ticker ALNY, raising approximately $26 million through its priced at $6 per share. This capital infusion supported the establishment of Alnylam's RNAi therapeutics platform, which involved preclinical studies on siRNA candidates for various genetic disorders, laying the groundwork for therapeutic applications in areas like rare diseases. Through these developments from 2003 to 2010, Alnylam transitioned from a startup to a leader in RNAi innovation, prioritizing platform maturation over immediate clinical trials.

Key milestones

In 2017, Alnylam achieved a pivotal clinical milestone with positive topline results from the Phase 3 APOLLO trial of , demonstrating significant reductions in neuropathy progression and improvements in for patients with hereditary transthyretin-mediated with (hATTR-PN), marking the first late-stage success for an RNAi therapeutic. This breakthrough paved the way for regulatory progress, culminating in 2018 with the U.S. (FDA) approval of ONPATTRO () on August 10, the first-ever RNAi therapeutic approved globally for the treatment of in adults with hATTR . Building on this foundation, Alnylam secured subsequent FDA approvals for additional RNAi therapeutics: GIVLAARI (givosiran) on November 20, 2019, for the treatment of adults with acute hepatic ; OXLUMO (lumasiran) on November 23, 2020, for the treatment of primary type 1 in pediatric and adult patients to lower urinary levels; and AMVUTTRA () on June 13, 2022, for the treatment of in adults with hATTR . In a significant regulatory expansion, the FDA approved an expanded indication for AMVUTTRA on March 20, 2025, making it the first RNAi therapeutic to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, hospitalizations for , and urgent visits in adults with hATTR with (ATTR-CM). In March 2025, the FDA approved Qfitlia™ (fitusiran) for the treatment of hemophilia A or B with or without inhibitors, marking Alnylam's first RNAi therapeutic in this therapeutic area and developed in partnership with . On the leadership front, John Maraganore stepped down as CEO at the end of 2021, with Yvonne Greenstreet appointed as the new CEO effective January 1, 2022, ushering in a new era focused on expanding the company's RNAi portfolio. In 2025, Alnylam hosted its R&D Day on February 25, highlighting substantial pipeline advancements and platform innovations in RNAi therapeutics. This event, coupled with key regulatory wins, contributed to a robust stock performance, with shares rallying approximately 98% year-to-date amid breakthroughs in ATTR-CM treatment and broader pipeline momentum.

Technology

RNAi therapeutics

RNA interference (RNAi) is a naturally occurring cellular process that regulates by silencing specific messenger RNAs (mRNAs). In this mechanism, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), typically 21-23 nucleotides long, are incorporated into the (RISC), a multiprotein assembly containing proteins. The guide strand of the siRNA directs RISC to complementary target mRNA sequences, leading to mRNA cleavage and degradation, thereby preventing protein translation. This post-transcriptional enables precise control over gene activity without altering the . The foundational discovery of RNAi was reported in 1998 by and , who demonstrated that double-stranded RNA triggers sequence-specific in the Caenorhabditis elegans, a finding that earned them the 2006 in or Medicine. Building on this, Alnylam co-founder Phillip A. Sharp published influential work in 1999 highlighting the role of double-stranded RNA in RNAi pathways, while co-founder Thomas Tuschl contributed to key publications around 2000-2001 showing siRNA-mediated silencing in human cells, extending the mechanism's relevance to mammalian systems. These advances underscored RNAi as a conserved biological process with therapeutic potential. Alnylam has adapted RNAi for by designing synthetic siRNAs that target disease-causing genes with high specificity and potency, leveraging rationally engineered sequences to maximize RISC loading and mRNA cleavage efficiency. To overcome challenges like degradation and off-target silencing, the company employs chemical modifications, such as 2'-O-methyl substitutions on sugars and phosphorothioate linkages, which enhance metabolic stability and reduce unintended gene interactions while preserving on-target activity. These modifications, part of Alnylam's Enhanced Stabilization Chemistry, allow synthetic siRNAs to achieve durable . Compared to traditional small-molecule drugs or monoclonal antibodies, RNAi therapeutics offer advantages including prolonged duration of action—often months from a single dose—enabling infrequent administration and improved patient compliance. This stems from the catalytic nature of RISC-mediated silencing, where one siRNA molecule can degrade multiple target mRNAs, contrasting with the need for daily dosing in many conventional therapies.

Delivery platforms

Alnylam's delivery platforms enable the targeted transport of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to specific tissues, addressing challenges such as degradation, endosomal escape, and tissue-specific uptake. These technologies primarily focus on liver-directed delivery but have evolved to support and extra-hepatic applications, leveraging proprietary formulations to enhance efficacy and patient convenience. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) represent Alnylam's first-generation delivery system, consisting of approximately 100 nm particles that encapsulate siRNAs to protect them from degradation and facilitate uptake via intravenous infusion. These LNPs exploit the affinity of (apoE) for low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLR) on hepatocytes, enabling efficient liver targeting as demonstrated in the approved therapy ONPATTRO (). To improve administration routes, Alnylam developed GalNAc-siRNA conjugates, which attach trivalent (GalNAc) ligands to siRNAs for subcutaneous delivery and self-administration. These conjugates bind the (ASGPR) on liver cells, promoting rapid uptake and prolonged durability, as seen in products like GIVLAARI (givosiran) and OXLUMO (lumasiran). This platform evolved from earlier designs by incorporating chemical modifications for enhanced stability and potency. In 2025, Alnylam advanced extra-hepatic delivery through innovations like Enhanced Stabilization Chemistry (ESC) and its upgraded ESC+ variant, which incorporate modified to improve siRNA durability and enable targeting beyond the liver, including cardiovascular and (CNS) tissues. For instance, ESC+ supports biannual subcutaneous dosing in cardiovascular applications, while lipophilic C16 conjugates facilitate CNS delivery via in collaboration with partners. These updates build on preclinical progress in oral and ocular routes, expanding RNAi therapeutic reach. Alnylam has leveraged partnerships to refine these platforms, collaborating with Acuitas Therapeutics on LNP formulations that contributed to ONPATTRO's components and ongoing improvements in tolerability. Additionally, a licensing agreement with Pharmaceuticals provides access to their Targeted RNAi Molecule (TRiM) platform, incorporating dynamic polyconjugate technology for enhanced tissue-specific delivery in undisclosed programs. Clinical data underscore the favorable safety profile of these platforms, with first-generation LNPs showing mostly mild or moderate adverse events and no new cardiac concerns in long-term studies. Advanced LNPs, such as the reLNP formulation, demonstrate reduced infusion-related reactions, supporting broader clinical advancement with improved tolerability.

Approved products

ONPATTRO (patisiran)

ONPATTRO (patisiran) is an (RNAi) therapeutic approved for the treatment of in adults with hereditary transthyretin-mediated (hATTR) , a rare, progressive disease caused by the accumulation of abnormal (TTR) protein deposits in nerves and tissues. As Alnylam's first commercial product, it marked a milestone as the world's first approved RNAi therapeutic, leveraging (siRNA) technology to address the underlying genetic cause of hATTR . The U.S. (FDA) approved ONPATTRO on August 10, 2018, based on the Phase 3 APOLLO trial demonstrating reduced progression of neuropathy impairment. The development of ONPATTRO was supported by the pivotal Phase 3 APOLLO trial, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted from 2013 to 2017 involving 225 adults with hATTR amyloidosis and polyneuropathy across stages 1 and 2. The trial demonstrated that patisiran treatment resulted in a 56% reduction in the rate of progression of neuropathy impairment, as measured by the modified Neuropathy Impairment Score plus 7 (mNIS+7), with a least-squares mean change of -6.0 points compared to +28.0 points for placebo (P<0.001). Additional benefits included improvements in quality of life, daily activities, walking ability, nutritional status, and autonomic symptoms, establishing patisiran's efficacy in slowing disease progression. These results, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, formed the basis for regulatory approvals worldwide. ONPATTRO's mechanism involves an siRNA that targets and silences the TTR gene in hepatocytes, leading to sequence-specific degradation of TTR messenger RNA (mRNA) and subsequent reduction in circulating TTR protein production by approximately 80%, which decreases amyloid formation and deposition. The siRNA is formulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for targeted delivery to the liver, where it is taken up by hepatocytes to inhibit hepatic TTR synthesis. Administered as an intravenous infusion over approximately 80 minutes, the recommended dose is 0.3 mg/kg every three weeks for patients under 100 kg or a fixed 30 mg dose for those 100 kg or more, with premedication to mitigate infusion-related reactions. Following FDA approval, ONPATTRO received European Commission authorization in August 2018 for adults with stage 1 or 2 polyneuropathy and approval from Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in June 2019 for hATTR amyloidosis with polyneuropathy. Commercially, ONPATTRO has been a significant revenue driver for Alnylam, serving as the company's foundational product and contributing to overall growth in the RNAi therapeutics portfolio. In the third quarter of 2025, ONPATTRO generated $39 million in global net product s, part of Alnylam's total net product s of $851 million, reflecting its ongoing role despite the introduction of successor therapies. Historical peak sales underscored its impact, with cumulative s supporting Alnylam's expansion into additional rare disease indications.

AMVUTTRA (vutrisiran)

AMVUTTRA () is an (RNAi) therapeutic developed by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals for the treatment of hereditary transthyretin-mediated (hATTR) . It is indicated for the associated with hATTR amyloidosis in adults. In March 2025, the U.S. (FDA) expanded the label to include the of transthyretin (ATTR-CM) in adults to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, all-cause mortality, cardiovascular events, hospitalizations for , and urgent visits. This expansion marked AMVUTTRA as the first RNAi therapeutic approved for both and manifestations of ATTR . The initial FDA approval of AMVUTTRA occurred in June 2022, based on the Phase 3 HELIOS-A trial (NCT03759379), a randomized, open-label study conducted from 2018 to 2022 that enrolled 164 adults with stage 1 or 2 hATTR amyloidosis polyneuropathy. In HELIOS-A, vutrisiran at 25 mg subcutaneously every three months demonstrated non-inferiority to patisiran (ONPATTRO) in serum transthyretin (TTR) reduction, with a median difference of 5.28% (95% CI: 1.17-9.25), alongside improvements in neuropathy impairment scores and quality of life measures compared to an external placebo control. The March 2025 label expansion was supported by cardiovascular endpoints from the Phase 3 HELIOS-B trial (NCT04153149), a double-blind, placebo-controlled study from 2019 to 2024 involving 655 adults with ATTR-CM, which showed a 28% reduction in the composite of all-cause mortality and recurrent cardiovascular events (HR 0.72; 95% CI: 0.56-0.93) with vutrisiran versus placebo. Vutrisiran is a synthetic double-stranded (siRNA) conjugated to (GalNAc) that targets both mutant and wild-type TTR mRNA in the liver, leading to its degradation via the and subsequent reduction in circulating TTR protein levels by approximately 80-85%. The GalNAc moiety facilitates targeted uptake by hepatocytes via the , enabling without lipid nanoparticle delivery. This mechanism supports dosing every three months, providing sustained TTR suppression. AMVUTTRA is administered as a 25 mg subcutaneous injection in the , , or upper , typically by a healthcare professional, though patients can be trained for self-administration to enhance convenience. Compared to intravenous , which requires biweekly infusions and , this quarterly self-injectable regimen reduces treatment burden and improves patient compliance, as evidenced by high adherence rates in clinical trials. Common adverse events include , , and urinary tract infections, generally mild to moderate. Since launch, AMVUTTRA has seen rapid market uptake, particularly following the 2025 ATTR-CM expansion, driving strong commercial performance for Alnylam. Alnylam's total global net product revenues reached $469 million in Q1 2025, a 28% year-over-year increase, with the TTR franchise (AMVUTTRA and ONPATTRO) growing 36% year-over-year, driven significantly by AMVUTTRA.

GIVLAARI (givosiran)

GIVLAARI (givosiran) is approved for the treatment of adults with acute hepatic (AHP), a rare characterized by recurrent attacks due to the overproduction of neurotoxic precursors. The U.S. (FDA) granted approval on November 20, 2019, making it the first (siRNA) therapy specifically indicated for AHP. This milestone followed the Phase 3 trial, conducted from 2017 to 2019, which enrolled 94 patients and showed a 74% mean reduction in the composite annualized porphyria attack rate relative to over six months of monthly dosing. Givosiran functions as an siRNA that silences the ALAS1 gene in hepatocytes, suppressing the enzyme aminolevulinic acid synthase 1 to limit the hepatic synthesis of delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and porphobilinogen (PBG), the key precursors driving AHP . The therapy employs (GalNAc) conjugation for liver-specific uptake via the , allowing for convenient subcutaneous administration at 2.5 mg/kg once monthly. This targeted RNAi approach represents Alnylam's first GalNAc-siRNA conjugate to achieve regulatory approval. Efficacy in the ENVISION trial extended beyond attack frequency, with givosiran achieving sustained decreases in hemin utilization—by 84% overall—and lower days of severe pain compared to , benefits that persisted in long-term extensions. The followed with approval on March 2, 2020, expanding access to patients aged 12 years and older with AHP. As part of Alnylam's approved portfolio, GIVLAARI has established a reliable contributor, generating $74 million in global net product revenues during the third quarter of 2025 alone, supporting the company's projected 2025 total product growth to $2.95–3.05 billion amid pipeline progress.

OXLUMO (lumasiran)

OXLUMO (lumasiran) is an (RNAi) therapeutic developed by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals for the treatment of primary type 1 (PH1), a rare characterized by of leading to damage. It is indicated to lower urinary levels in pediatric and adult patients, including those as young as birth, addressing the metabolic defect that drives progressive renal failure in this condition. As the first approved specifically for PH1, OXLUMO targets the underlying rather than relying solely on supportive measures like hydration or dialysis. The development of lumasiran advanced through the Phase 3 ILLUMINATE program, initiated around 2018, with key results reported by 2020. The ILLUMINATE-A trial, a randomized, double-blind, -controlled study in patients aged 6 years and older, demonstrated a mean reduction of 65% in 24-hour urinary levels compared to after six months of treatment (least-squares mean difference: -64.9%; 95% CI, -75.0 to -54.7; P<0.001). Complementary trials, including ILLUMINATE-B for infants and young children under 6 years and ILLUMINATE-C for those with advanced , further supported its efficacy across age groups and disease severities. These data underpinned the U.S. (FDA) approval of OXLUMO on November 23, 2020, marking it as the inaugural RNAi-based treatment for PH1. Lumasiran functions by silencing the hydroxyacid oxidase 1 (HAO1) in hepatocytes, which encodes the glycolate responsible for converting glyoxylate to in the liver. This siRNA is conjugated to (GalNAc) to enable targeted uptake by liver cells via the , allowing quarterly subcutaneous administration following an initial loading regimen. By depleting glycolate , lumasiran reduces endogenous production upstream of the primary alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase deficiency in PH1, thereby mitigating systemic accumulation. Pediatric dosing is weight-based to accommodate varying body sizes, with initial loading doses of 3 mg/kg monthly for three months, followed by maintenance doses of 3 mg/kg every three months for patients under 10 kg, and adjusted fixed doses for older children and adults. Beyond the FDA approval, OXLUMO received authorization in December 2020 for all age groups with PH1, and approval from Japan's in September 2021. These global endorsements expanded access to this for an ultra-rare disease affecting approximately 1 in 58,000 to 1 in 1.3 million individuals worldwide. By substantially lowering oxalate levels, OXLUMO has transformed the management of PH1, a previously untreatable condition often progressing to end-stage renal disease, offering disease-modifying benefits that delay or prevent dialysis and transplantation in affected patients. As part of Alnylam's 2025 product portfolio, OXLUMO continues to generate significant revenue, with global net product sales reaching $39 million in the first quarter and $47 million in the second quarter, underscoring its commercial impact in the space.

Qfitlia (fitusiran)

Qfitlia (fitusiran) is an RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutic approved for the treatment of hemophilia A or B with or without inhibitors in adult and pediatric patients. The U.S. (FDA) granted approval on March 25, 2025, marking it as Alnylam's first RNAi therapeutic for a bleeding disorder. This approval was based on data from the Phase 3 ATLAS program, including ATLAS-A (for hemophilia A with inhibitors) and ATLAS-B (for hemophilia B), which demonstrated significant reductions in annualized bleeding rates compared to on-demand or prophylactic factor therapies. Fitusiran is a subcutaneous siRNA that targets (AT) mRNA in hepatocytes, reducing AT levels to approximately 15-30% of normal, thereby increasing generation and improving in hemophilia patients. Administered monthly at 80 mg following an initial , Qfitlia offers a prophylactic regimen independent of factor replacement, with the potential for self-administration. The ATLAS trials showed a 54% reduction in treated bleeding rates versus bypassing agents in inhibitor patients and non-inferiority to prophylaxis in non-inhibitor patients, with benefits in health and . Common adverse events include injection site reactions and , with monitoring required for potential thrombotic risks due to AT reduction. Following U.S. approval, Qfitlia received authorization in June 2025. As a prophylactic option, Qfitlia addresses unmet needs in hemophilia management, particularly for patients with inhibitors. In Q3 2025, initial commercial launch contributed to Alnylam's portfolio growth, though specific revenues were not yet broken out separately.

Pipeline and research

Late-stage candidates

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals' late-stage pipeline features investigational RNAi therapeutics advancing toward potential regulatory approval, with a focus on unmet needs in cardiovascular and rare diseases. Zilebesiran, an investigational small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting angiotensinogen to reduce blood pressure, is in Phase 3 development for hypertension. Positive results from the Phase 2 KARDIA-1 and KARDIA-2 trials demonstrated sustained reductions in 24-hour mean systolic blood pressure of up to 15-16 mmHg at six months post-dose, supporting quarterly or biannual subcutaneous administration as an adjunct to standard therapies. The ongoing global Phase 3 ZENITH cardiovascular outcomes trial, initiated in October 2025 with the first patient dosed, aims to enroll approximately 11,000 patients across 35 countries to evaluate zilebesiran's impact on major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with mild-to-moderate uncontrolled hypertension. This trial, designed as an event-driven study with biannual dosing, builds on Phase 2 data from KARDIA-3, which confirmed efficacy in high-risk patients, and is being co-developed with Roche under a 2021 collaboration agreement providing Alnylam with U.S. profit-sharing and ex-U.S. milestones and royalties. Nucresiran, an investigational siRNA targeting transthyretin (TTR) for enhanced durability, is advancing in Phase 3 for amyloidosis (ATTR) indications. The TRITON-CM trial, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study initiated in the first half of 2025, evaluates nucresiran's efficacy and safety in reducing cardiovascular events and mortality in approximately 630 patients with ATTR (ATTR-CM), an event-driven design assessing quarterly subcutaneous dosing. A parallel Phase 3 trial for hereditary ATTR with (hATTR-PN) is also underway, aiming to demonstrate improvements in neuropathy impairment and . During Alnylam's R&D Day on February 25, 2025, the company highlighted nucresiran's potential as a next-generation TTR silencer with administration every three to six months, supported by Phase 1/2 data showing over 90% TTR reduction lasting up to nine months. The U.S. FDA granted Fast Track designation for nucresiran in ATTR-CM in July 2025, underscoring its promise in addressing progression in this debilitating condition. Cemdisiran, a subcutaneous C5 complement inhibitor developed in partnership with Regeneron, targets complement-mediated diseases including (MG), (PNH), and . Originally entering Phase 2 trials, the program advanced to Phase 3 by 2025, with positive topline results from the NIMBLE trial in generalized MG announced in August 2025, showing significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes and 74% complement inhibition as monotherapy. Data readouts for additional indications are anticipated in the second half of 2025, highlighting its potential in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.

Early-stage programs

Alnylam's early-stage programs encompass a range of investigational RNAi therapeutics in and Phase 1/2 clinical trials, focusing on novel targets for rare and common diseases with an emphasis on innovative delivery technologies. These efforts build on the company's core RNAi platform to address unmet needs in , complement-mediated disorders, and beyond, with several programs advancing toward (IND) filings in 2025. One key program is mivelsiran (ALN-APP), an investigational RNAi therapeutic targeting the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene to reduce amyloid-beta production in the brain. Initiated in collaboration with Regeneron, the Phase 1 trial for (EOAD) is ongoing, with interim data from Part B expected in the second half of 2025 demonstrating safety, tolerability, and amyloid reduction via (CNS) delivery using lipid nanoparticles. A Phase 2 trial (cAPPricorn-1) in (CAA) is also underway, evaluating disease progression markers, with study initiation completed in 2024. Rapirosiran is an investigational RNAi therapeutic in Phase 2 development for metabolic dysfunction-associated (). In platform innovations, Alnylam is advancing subcutaneous lipid nanoparticle (SC-LNP) technology for extra-hepatic tissue delivery, with early preclinical work targeting and indications through systemic dosing that achieves robust in non-liver tissues like tumors and fibrotic areas. This builds on CNS applications demonstrated in non-human , aiming for broader therapeutic reach by 2030. Additionally, 2025 progress includes optimization of nucresiran analogs, next-generation transthyretin (TTR) silencers, with preclinical enhancements in potency and durability supporting Phase 3 transitions while informing earlier-stage TTR-related explorations. The company's discovery engine underpins these efforts, with over 20 preclinical programs leveraging AI-driven siRNA design to accelerate target identification and optimization for rare genetic disorders and common conditions. This includes integration of human genetic data and for enhanced potency, safety, and tissue specificity, enabling nine new Alnylam-led IND applications by the end of 2025 across novel modalities.

Strategic therapeutic areas

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals directs its (R&D) efforts toward four core Strategic Therapeutic Areas (STArs) as of 2025, prioritizing RNAi therapeutics for diseases with significant unmet needs. These areas—Genetic Medicines, Cardio-Metabolic Diseases, Infectious Diseases, and CNS/Ocular Diseases—represent a balanced portfolio spanning rare monogenic disorders to more prevalent conditions, enabling efficient resource allocation across its pipeline. The Genetic Medicines STAr emphasizes rare genetic diseases caused by single-gene mutations, such as primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) and hemophilia. Key programs include OXLUMO (lumasiran), approved for PH1 to reduce production by targeting the glycolate , and fitusiran, a therapy in collaboration with for hemophilia A and B by inhibiting to enhance generation. This area leverages Alnylam's expertise in liver-targeted delivery to address disorders with limited treatment options. In the Cardio-Metabolic Diseases STAr, Alnylam targets prevalent conditions like and (ATTR-CM). Zilebesiran, a subcutaneously administered RNAi therapeutic, aims to silence angiotensinogen for long-duration control, with Phase 2 data supporting quarterly dosing. The area saw increased emphasis in 2025 following the expansion of AMVUTTRA () indications to ATTR-CM, building on its established role in to address cardiac manifestations through TTR protein reduction. The Infectious Diseases STAr focuses on hepatic infections, including programs like GIVLAARI (givosiran) for acute hepatic porphyria, which mitigates attacks by targeting ALAS1 despite its primary genetic basis, and investigational agents such as elebsiran for hepatitis delta virus. Complement inhibition efforts, such as cemdisiran targeting C5 for inflammatory conditions like , align with broader immune-mediated disease strategies within this framework, though classified variably across areas. The CNS/Ocular Diseases STAr represents an emerging priority with early-stage programs addressing neurodegeneration, including ALN-APP (now mivelsiran) for via amyloid precursor protein silencing and other candidates like ALN-HTT02 for . In 2025, Alnylam advanced initiatives to improve delivery across the blood-brain barrier and ocular tissues, enabling potential therapies for and using enhanced conjugate platforms. Alnylam allocated approximately $1.2 billion to R&D in , with roughly 50% directed toward late-stage clinical trials and platform technologies to support pipeline advancement and delivery innovations across the . This investment reflects a 7% year-over-year increase, underscoring commitment to expanding RNAi applications.

Corporate affairs

Leadership

Yvonne Greenstreet, MBChB, MBA, has served as of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals since January 2022, succeeding John Maraganore who led the company from its inception until the end of 2021. She joined Alnylam in 2016 as , advancing to President and COO in 2020, and brings over 25 years of experience, including senior roles at where she headed development operations and at GlaxoSmithKline in global strategy and operations. A qualified physician trained at the and with an MBA from , Greenstreet has guided Alnylam's expansion in RNAi-based therapies for rare diseases amid growing commercial success. The executive team comprises 11 C-suite members with specialized expertise in RNAi therapeutics, , and treatments. Key figures include Pushkal Garg, MD, appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Officer in 2025 after serving as since 2017; his prior roles at Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pharmaceuticals underscore the team's regulatory and clinical depth. Jeffrey V. Poulton serves as since 2019, overseeing financial strategy for the company's pipeline advancement. Recent 2025 additions, such as Bryan Supran as Chief Legal Officer in September and Melissa McLaughlin as , reflect ongoing enhancements without major disruptions. The team emphasizes integrated R&D , highlighted during Alnylam's 2025 R&D Day event. Alnylam's Board of Directors consists of 11 members offering diverse perspectives in , , and , including Amy W. Schulman and experts like Carolyn Bertozzi, PhD, in . Co-founder Phillip A. Sharp, PhD, a Nobel laureate in , retired from the board in May 2025 after over two decades of service as a foundational advisor. prioritizes , with approximately 45% of board members being women and initiatives supporting underrepresented groups in leadership. This structure aligns with Alnylam's commitment to ethical oversight in advancing innovative therapies.

Financial performance

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals demonstrated robust revenue growth in 2025, with global net product revenues reaching $469 million in the first quarter, marking a 28% increase year-over-year compared to Q1 2024. This momentum accelerated in the third quarter, where total net product revenues hit $851 million, reflecting 103% year-over-year growth and driven primarily by strong performances from AMVUTTRA and ONPATTRO in the TTR franchise, which contributed $724 million. Overall, total revenues for Q3 2025 amounted to $1.249 billion, up 149% from the prior year. The company achieved its first profitable quarter in Q3 2025, swinging to net income of $251 million with a diluted of $1.84 (non-GAAP of $2.90), surpassing expectations amid heightened demand for its RNAi therapeutics. For the full year 2025, Alnylam raised its guidance to total net product revenues of $2.95 billion to $3.05 billion, supported by projected TTR franchise sales of $2.475 billion to $2.525 billion and products at $475 million to $525 million; non-GAAP expenses are expected to contribute to combined R&D and SG&A costs of $2.15 billion to $2.20 billion. Alnylam's stock experienced a significant rally in 2025, with year-to-date returns of approximately 90% as of November 10, trading at $446.66 per share and achieving a market capitalization of around $58 billion. The company's financial position remains solid, with cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaling $2.725 billion at the end of Q3 2025, providing ample runway for ongoing investments. Following debt refinancing activities in 2024, including repurchases of convertible notes, Alnylam maintains a manageable debt profile of approximately $1.03 billion as of June 2025. At the 43rd Annual Healthcare Conference in January 2025, Alnylam leadership highlighted the substantial value of its , emphasizing advancements in RNAi therapeutics across cardiometabolic, rare genetic, and other strategic areas to drive long-term growth.

Operations and partnerships

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals maintains its and primary operations in , at 675 West Kendall Street. The company operates a dedicated manufacturing facility in , spanning approximately 200,000 square feet, which serves as its manufacturing headquarters and supports the production of RNAi therapeutics. This site includes GMP suites and a central utility plant to facilitate large-scale . As of 2024, Alnylam employed approximately 2,230 people globally, with a significant focus on activities. In 2025, the company continued workforce expansion to bolster its pipeline advancement, particularly in manufacturing and technical operations. Alnylam's international presence includes subsidiaries such as Alnylam UK Ltd., Alnylam Netherlands BV, and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Spain SL, supporting European operations. Key partnerships have been central to Alnylam's strategy. The company collaborates with on , marketed as Leqvio, which received FDA approval in 2021 for lowering LDL and remains under Novartis's global development and commercialization rights as of 2025. Alnylam also maintains an ongoing alliance with , established in 2019, to co-develop and commercialize RNAi therapeutics targeting ocular and diseases, with shared costs and profits; this partnership extends to programs like pozelimab-cemdisiran combination for cardiovascular indications. The historical collaboration with , initiated in 2014 for rare genetic diseases, concluded its research and option phase in 2019, leaving legacy impacts on programs like fitusiran, now advanced by Sanofi. Alnylam conducts in-house production of nanoparticles (LNPs), essential for delivering its subcutaneous RNAi therapeutics, at its Norton facility. In 2025, the company implemented a new at this site to enhance capacity, enabling multi-metric ton production of drug substances to meet growing demand for pipeline and commercial products. Alnylam's products, including ONPATTRO (), GIVLAARI (givosiran), OXLUMO (lumasiran), and AMVUTTRA (), are approved in multiple countries worldwide, such as the , , , , , and , with marketing in more than 15 countries as of 2025. International net product revenues continue to grow, though they remain a modest portion of total revenues, reflecting expanding ex-U.S. .

References

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