Medtronic And Alnylam Pharmaceuticals To Collaborate On Potential Treatments For Major Neurodegenerative Diseases
The collaboration will focus on developing novel drug-device combinations incorporating RNAi therapeutics. RNAi, or RNA interference, refers to a technique for silencing targeted genes in a cell, inhibiting their ability to produce particular proteins involved in specific diseases. Initial development will focus on delivering RNAi therapeutics to specific areas of the brain using novel infusion systems.
Under terms of the collaboration agreement, after successful completion of an initial joint technology development program and a joint decision to initiate product development, Alnylam would be responsible for the discovery and early development of candidate RNAi therapeutics, and Medtronic would be responsible for late-stage development and commercialization of any drug-device products that result. Medtronic also would adapt or develop medical devices to deliver the candidate RNAi therapeutics to targeted locations in the nervous system.
"We have proven expertise in delivering targeted therapies throughout the body, while Alnylam brings leadership in the evolving science of RNAi technology," said Stephen Oesterle, M.D., Medtronic senior vice president, medicine and technology. "Together, we are well positioned to explore drug-device combinations with a goal of discovering better ways to treat serious neurodegenerative diseases."
Under terms of the collaboration agreement, after successful completion of an initial joint technology development program and a joint decision to initiate product development, Medtronic would make an initial equity investment in Alnylam and could make additional investments upon successful completion of certain pre-defined milestones. Alnylam would then be eligible to receive additional cash milestone payments for each product developed, and royalties on sales of any RNAi therapeutic component of novel drug-device combinations that result from the collaboration.
"We are excited to be working with the world's leading medical device company, Medtronic, as we pursue RNAi therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases that have grave consequences for patients and their families," said John Maraganore, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Alnylam. "We believe that this collaboration with Medtronic, as one of the new collaborations that Alnylam expects to form in 2005, will provide a major boost in the exploration and development of RNAi therapeutics designed to treat important diseases."
An estimated 17 million people worldwide, 5.7 million in the United States, are affected by Huntington's, Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.