Dowpharma will manufacture short interfering RNAs (siRNAs), the molecules that induce RNAi, for use in clinical trials.
The Dowpharma contract service agreement will provide Alnylam with large quantities of GMP-certified siRNAs necessary for near-term toxicology and clinical studies of RNAi therapeutic candidates.
Development programs covered by the agreement include Alnylam’s programs in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
“This agreement is an important step in our transition to a clinical-stage company as we rapidly advance multiple RNAi therapeutic candidates into human trials,” said Dr John Maraganore, president and CEO of Alnylam.
“We are very pleased to support the development of Alnylam’s breakthrough therapeutics, which have such great potential to significantly enhance people’s lives,” said Nick Hyde, business director of Dowpharma. “We look forward to working with our colleagues at Alnylam on the development of these important therapeutics.”