Alnylam Joins GSK In Patent Pool For Neglected Tropical Diseases

Published: 08-Jul-2009

RNAi technology could lead to new targets and treatments

Alnylam shall contribute more than 1500 issued or pending patents on its RNA interference (RNAi) technology patent estate, to the patent pool established by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

Alnylam to add its patents to approximately 800 patent filings that GSK provided to populate the pool in March. The company’s RNAi platform provides an approach to drug discovery and development through gene silencing.

Andrew Witty, Chief Executive Officer, GSK, said: “We are delighted that Alnylam will join GSK in this important programme by adding their unique RNAi technology to the patent pool.”

“The key objective of the pool is to make it easier for researchers across the world to access intellectual property that may be useful in the search for new medicines to treat neglected tropical diseases. The more companies, academic institutions and foundations that join the pool, the more effective it will be. Alnylam’s announcement today is therefore a welcome and significant step forward.”

The patent pool was formed to aid in the discovery and development of new medicines for the treatment of 16 neglected tropical diseases, as defined by FDA.

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