Agios Pharmaceuticals announces license agreement with Alnylam

Agios Pharmaceuticals (AGIO) has entered into an exclusive worldwide license agreement with Alnylam Pharmaceuticals (ALNY) under which Agios will acquire the rights to develop and commercialize Alnylam’s novel preclinical siRNA targeting TMPRSS6, as a potential disease-modifying treatment for patients with polycythemia vera. This agreement combines Agios’ deep scientific expertise and capabilities in rare hematologic diseases with Alnylam’s industry-leading siRNA platform and strong track record of success. PV is a rare hematologic disease with no disease-modifying treatments that affects approximately 100,000 patients in the U.S. PV is characterized by excessive production of red blood cells, which leads to increased blood volume and viscosity, and can result in thrombosis, cardiovascular events, and death. Under the terms of the agreement, Agios will make an upfront payment of $17.5M to Alnylam for an exclusive global license to the TMPRSS6 siRNA program. In addition, Alnylam is eligible to receive up to $130M in potential development and regulatory milestone payments, in addition to sales milestones and tiered royalties. Agios will assume sole responsibility for all development, regulatory, and commercial activities and costs related to the program. Alnylam will provide manufacturing support for Phase 1, after which Agios will assume full responsibility for manufacturing.