Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
About
A Kendall Square biotech, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals is translating RNA interference into a new class of medicines. Its core focus is RNAi therapeutics aimed at genetically defined targets for serious, life-threatening diseases where patients and caregivers have limited treatment options. The approach relies on small interfering RNAs that switch off the production of disease-causing proteins, and the company believes the technique could in principle silence virtually any gene in the genome.
The science behind the company dates to the late 1990s, when a 1999 perspective by MIT’s Phillip Sharp sparked collaboration among the researchers who would found Alnylam in 2002. After more than two decades of work, its first commercial medicine, which was also the world’s first RNAi therapeutic, was approved in 2018, and several more have followed. Today the company pursues treatments for rare genetic disorders as well as more prevalent diseases.
What to Know
- Alnylam takes its name from Alnilam, a star in Orion’s belt long used by navigators.
- The company highlights patient experiences with conditions such as hATTR amyloidosis.
- It emphasizes an inclusive workplace culture and positive impact beyond its medicines.
- It is a member of the Kendall Square Association.
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