Alnylam, Medicines Co. in hypercholesterolemia RNAi deal
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:ALNY) granted The Medicines Co. (NASDAQ:MDCO) exclusive, worldwide rights to develop and commercialize Alnylam's ALN-PCS RNAi program to treat hypercholesterolemia. The program targets proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) synthesis and comprises IV ALN-PCS02, which has completed a Phase I trial in healthy volunteers with elevated LDL-C levels, and subcutaneous ALN-PCSsc, which is in preclinical development.
Over the next one to two years, Alnylam will complete preclinical and Phase I testing of both compounds, after which The Medicines Co. will be responsible for further development. The Medicines Co. will also be responsible for the commercialization of any products. Alnylam will receive $25 million up front and is eligible for up to $180 million in milestones, plus tiered, double-digit royalties. ...