– Company Provides Update on ALN-PCSsc, a Subcutaneously Administered RNAi Therapeutic Targeting PCSK9, Demonstrating up to 95% Knockdown of PCSK9 and up to 67% Reduction of Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) in Non-Human Primates –
– Alnylam Broadens Pipeline with ALN-ANG, a Subcutaneously Administered RNAi Therapeutic Targeting Angiopoietin-Like 3 (ANGPTL3) for the Treatment of Genetic Forms of Mixed Hyperlipidemia and Severe Hypertriglyceridemia –
CAMBRIDGE, MA, USA I November 17, 2013 I Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:ALNY), a leading RNAi therapeutics company, announced today that it has presented new pre-clinical data from two RNAi therapeutic programs for cardiovascular disease, including: ALN-PCSsc, an RNAi therapeutic targeting PCSK9 for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia; and ALN-ANG, an RNAi therapeutic targeting ANGPTL3 for the treatment of genetic forms of mixed hyperlipidemia and severe hypertriglyceridemia. These data were presented at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions held November 16 – 20, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. In a presentation titled “A Subcutaneous Platform for RNAi Therapeutics Targeting Metabolic Diseases: PCSK9 and ANGPTL3,” Alnylam scientists and collaborators presented updated non-human primate (NHP) data showing that subcutaneous administration of ALN-PCSsc led to an up to 95% knockdown of plasma PCSK9 and an up to 67% reduction of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) – in the absence of statin co-administration. In addition, new results were presented for ALN-ANG, showing a greater than 95% reduction of triglycerides and greater than 85% reduction of LDL-C in a rodent model of mixed hyperlipidemia. ALN-PCSsc and ALN-ANG utilize the company’s proprietary GalNAc-siRNA conjugate delivery platform, which is designed to achieve targeted delivery of RNAi therapeutics to hepatocytes through uptake by the asialoglycoprotein receptor, enabling subcutaneous dose administration with a wide therapeutic index. ALN-PCSsc and ALN-ANG are programs in the company’s “Alnylam 5×15” product development and commercialization strategy, where the company aims to advance at least five RNAi therapeutic programs toward genetically validated disease targets into clinical development, including programs in advanced stages, by the end of 2015.
“Our recent progress with GalNAc-siRNA conjugates enables advancement of subcutaneously administered RNAi therapeutics for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, and our new data presented at the AHA meeting feature our efforts with ALN-PCSsc and ALN-ANG. With ALN-PCSsc, our new study results in non-human primates show an up to 95% knockdown of plasma PCSK9 and an up to 67% reduction of LDL-C – in the absence of statin co-administration, with a very durable knockdown of more than 50 days after the last dose. We believe these results support a highly competitive target product profile, and we look forward to advancing ALN-PCSsc toward clinical trials in 2014 with our partner The Medicines Company,” said Rachel Meyers, Ph.D., Vice President of Research and RNAi Lead Development at Alnylam. “In addition, our scientists presented new data from our discovery program with ALN-ANG. Specifically, a lead GalNAc-siRNA conjugate targeting ANGPTL3 showed a greater than 95% reduction of triglycerides and a greater than 85% reduction of LDL-C in a mouse model of mixed hyperlipidemia. These pre-clinical results phenocopy the human genetics for loss of function in ANGPTL3, and are supportive of our efforts to advance this new RNAi therapeutic program into later stages of pre-clinical development.”
New ALN-PCSsc data presented at AHA are based on studies performed in NHPs. Updated results show that ALN-PCSsc led to an up to 95% knockdown of plasma PCSK9, with mean PCSK9 knockdown at nadir of 87% (p<0.0001 compared with pre-dose values according to ANOVA models) and an up to 67% lowering of LDL-C, with mean LDL-C lowering at nadir of 62% (p<0.0001 compared with pre-dose values). The level of LDL-C reduction was achieved in the absence of statin co-administration. Knockdown of PCSK9 and lowering of LDL-C was rapid and durable, with effects lasting greater than 50 days after the final dose, supportive of the potential for once-monthly dosing and a highly competitive target product profile. In February 2013, Alnylam formed an exclusive global alliance with The Medicines Company for the development and commercialization of the ALN-PCS program, including ALN-PCSsc. Alnylam and The Medicines Company have recently announced selection of their Development Candidate for ALN-PCSsc. Alnylam plans to file an Investigational New Drug (IND) application in 2014 and will lead the program through the completion of Phase I. The Medicines Company is responsible for leading and funding development from Phase II forward and commercializing the ALN-PCS program if successful.
In addition to updating data on the company’s PCSK9 program, Alnylam scientists and collaborators presented new pre-clinical data from the company’s ALN-ANG discovery program. ANGPTL3 is an inhibitor of cellular lipases involved in the metabolism of lipoproteins. Human genetic as well as exome sequencing studies have identified a statistically significant relationship of loss-of-function mutations in ANGPTL3 with decreased levels of triglycerides and LDL-C (N. Engl. J. Med (2010) 363:2220-2227). The new pre-clinical studies were performed in an “ob/ob” mouse model of obesity and mixed hyperlipidemia. A single dose of a GalNAc-siRNA targeting ANGPTL3 was found to lead to robust, dose-dependent knockdown of ANGPTL3 protein, with a single dose ED50 of approximately 1 mg/kg. In a multi-dose experiment, subcutaneous doses of 3.0 mg/kg led to a greater than 95% knockdown of ANGPTL3 protein. This ANGPLT3 protein reduction resulted in a greater than 95% reduction in triglycerides, and a more than 85% reduction in LDL-C. In addition, total cholesterol was reduced by greater than 60%. These new data with ALN-ANG support further advancement of this program for the treatment of genetic forms of mixed hyperlipidemia and severe hypertriglyceridemia, which are associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease and/or recurrent pancreatitis.
“Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Elevated LDL-C and triglycerides are two well validated and modifiable risk factors. A substantial number of patients, especially those at high risk for cardiovascular disease, are unable to achieve reduced levels of LDL and triglycerides with current drugs, such as statins or fibrates, and it is clear that new therapeutic options are needed,” said Daniel J. Rader, M.D., professor of Medicine and chief, Division of Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Rader also serves on Alnylam’s Scientific Advisory Board. “As a key regulator of LDL receptor levels, liver-expressed PCSK9 is an important and well validated novel target in molecular medicine for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Likewise, loss-of-function ANGPTL3 mutations in humans are associated with reduced levels of LDL-C and triglyceride and it is encouraging that an RNAi-based therapeutic targeting ANGPTL3 expression in the liver reproduced these effects in a mouse model. I look forward to continued advancement of novel therapeutics, including RNAi, toward these important disease targets.”
About Hypercholesterolemia
Hypercholesterolemia is a condition characterized by very high levels of cholesterol in the blood which is known to increase the risk of coronary artery disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S. Some forms of hypercholesterolemia can be treated through dietary restrictions, lifestyle modifications (e.g., exercise and smoking cessation) and medicines such as statins. However, a large proportion of patients with hypercholesterolemia are not achieving target LDL-C goals with statin therapy, including genetic familial hypercholesterolemia patients, acute coronary syndrome patients, high-risk patient populations (e.g., patients with coronary artery disease, diabetics, symptomatic carotid artery disease, etc.) and other patients that are statin intolerant. Severe forms of hypercholesterolemia are estimated to affect more than 500,000 patients worldwide, and as a result, there is a significant need for novel therapeutics to treat patients with hypercholesterolemia whose disease is inadequately managed by existing therapies.
About ALN-PCS
ALN-PCS is a systemically delivered RNAi therapeutic targeting the gene proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), a target validated by human genetics that is involved in the metabolism of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, or “bad” cholesterol). ALN-PCS therapies are PCSK9 synthesis inhibitors that lower levels of both intracellular and extracellular PCSK9, thereby phenocopying the human genetics observed in loss of function or null human PCSK9 mutations (N. Engl. J. Med. (2006) 354:1264-1272; Am. J. Hum. Genet. (2006) 79: 514-523). PCSK9 synthesis inhibition through an RNAi mechanism has the potential to lower tissue and circulating plasma PCSK9 protein levels resulting in higher LDL receptor levels in the liver, and subsequently lower LDL-C levels in the blood stream. Lower LDL-C is associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, including myocardial infarction and stroke.
About Mixed Hyperlipidemia and Severe Hypertriglyceridemia
Mixed hyperlipidemia is a genetically inherited condition characterized by very high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, both of which are known to increase the risk of coronary artery disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S. It is estimated that as many as 1 out of every 100 individuals have mixed hyperlipidemia and are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Some forms of mixed hyperlipidemia can be treated through dietary restrictions, lifestyle modifications (e.g., exercise and smoking cessation), and medicines such as statins or fibrates; however, a large portion of mixed hyperlipidemia patients are unable to reach either their LDL-C and/or triglyceride goals with the current standard of care. Patients with severe, inherited forms of hypertriglyceridemia (e.g., familial chylomicronemia syndrome, or “FCS”) are at extremely high risk of developing recurrent pancreatitis. FCS is a rare orphan genetic disease that affects 1 to 2 individuals per million.
About ALN-ANG
ALN-ANG is an RNAi therapeutic targeting the gene angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) for the treatment of genetic forms of mixed hyperlipidemia and severe hypertriglyceridemia. ANGPTL3 is a liver-expressed, genetically validated target that acts to inhibit lipoprotein lipase and endothelial lipase, and has been shown to increase plasma triglycerides, as well as low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Exome sequencing studies have identified a statistically significant relationship of loss-of-function mutations in ANGPTL3 with decreased levels of triglycerides and LDL-C (N. Engl. J. Med (2010) 363:2220-2227). A subcutaneously administered RNAi therapeutic that inhibits ANGPTL3 synthesis and lowers both LDL-C and triglycerides represents a novel approach to the treatment of genetic forms of mixed hyperlipidemia and severe hypertriglyceridemia. ALN-ANG utilizes Alnylam’s proprietary GalNAc conjugate delivery platform enabling subcutaneous dose administration.
About GalNAc Conjugates
GalNAc-siRNA conjugates are a proprietary Alnylam delivery platform and are designed to achieve targeted delivery of RNAi therapeutics to hepatocytes through uptake by the asialoglycoprotein receptor. Research findings demonstrate potent and durable target gene silencing, as well as a wide therapeutic index, with subcutaneously administered GalNAc-siRNAs from multiple “Alnylam 5×15” programs.
About RNA Interference (RNAi)
RNAi (RNA interference) is a revolution in biology, representing a breakthrough in understanding how genes are turned on and off in cells, and a completely new approach to drug discovery and development. Its discovery has been heralded as “a major scientific breakthrough that happens once every decade or so,” and represents one of the most promising and rapidly advancing frontiers in biology and drug discovery today which was awarded the 2006 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine. RNAi is a natural process of gene silencing that occurs in organisms ranging from plants to mammals. By harnessing the natural biological process of RNAi occurring in our cells, the creation of a major new class of medicines, known as RNAi therapeutics, is on the horizon. Small interfering RNA (siRNA), the molecules that mediate RNAi and comprise Alnylam’s RNAi therapeutic platform, target the cause of diseases by potently silencing specific mRNAs, thereby preventing disease-causing proteins from being made. RNAi therapeutics have the potential to treat disease and help patients in a fundamentally new way.
About Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
Alnylam is a biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutics based on RNA interference, or RNAi. The company is leading the translation of RNAi as a new class of innovative medicines with a core focus on RNAi therapeutics toward genetically defined targets for the treatment of serious, life-threatening diseases with limited treatment options for patients and their caregivers. These include: patisiran (ALN-TTR02), an intravenously delivered RNAi therapeutic targeting transthyretin (TTR) for the treatment of TTR-mediated amyloidosis (ATTR) in patients with familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP); ALN-TTRsc, a subcutaneously delivered RNAi therapeutic targeting TTR for the treatment of ATTR in patients with familial amyloidotic cardiomyopathy (FAC); ALN-AT3, an RNAi therapeutic targeting antithrombin (AT) for the treatment of hemophilia and rare bleeding disorders (RBD); ALN-AS1, an RNAi therapeutic targeting aminolevulinate synthase-1 (ALAS-1) for the treatment of porphyria including acute intermittent porphyria (AIP); ALN-CC5, an RNAi therapeutic targeting complement component C5 for the treatment of complement-mediated diseases; ALN-PCS, an RNAi therapeutic targeting PCSK9 for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia; ALN-TMP, an RNAi therapeutic targeting TMPRSS6 for the treatment of beta-thalassemia and iron-overload disorders; ALN-AAT, an RNAi therapeutic targeting alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) for the treatment of AAT deficiency liver disease; and ALN-ANG, an RNAi therapeutic targeting ANGPTL3 for the treatment of genetic forms of mixed hyperlipidemia and severe hypertriglyceridemia, amongst other programs. As part of its “Alnylam 5×15” strategy, the company expects to have five RNAi therapeutic products for genetically defined diseases in clinical development, including programs in advanced stages, on its own or with a partner by the end of 2015. Alnylam has additional partnered programs in clinical or development stages, including ALN-RSV01 for the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and ALN-VSP for the treatment of liver cancers. The company’s leadership position on RNAi therapeutics and intellectual property have enabled it to form major alliances with leading companies including Merck, Medtronic, Novartis, Biogen Idec, Roche, Takeda, Kyowa Hakko Kirin, Cubist, Ascletis, Monsanto, Genzyme, and The Medicines Company. In addition, Alnylam holds an equity position in Regulus Therapeutics Inc., a company focused on discovery, development, and commercialization of microRNA therapeutics. Alnylam has also formed Alnylam Biotherapeutics, a division of the company focused on the development of RNAi technologies for applications in biologics manufacturing, including recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibodies. Alnylam’s VaxiRNA™ platform applies RNAi technology to improve the manufacturing processes for vaccines; GlaxoSmithKline is a collaborator in this effort. Alnylam scientists and collaborators have published their research on RNAi therapeutics in over 100 peer-reviewed papers, including many in the world’s top scientific journals such as Nature, Nature Medicine, Nature Biotechnology, Cell, the New England Journal of Medicine, and The Lancet. Founded in 2002, Alnylam maintains headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts. For more information, please visit www.alnylam.com.
SOURCE: Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
Post Views: 266
– Company Provides Update on ALN-PCSsc, a Subcutaneously Administered RNAi Therapeutic Targeting PCSK9, Demonstrating up to 95% Knockdown of PCSK9 and up to 67% Reduction of Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) in Non-Human Primates –
– Alnylam Broadens Pipeline with ALN-ANG, a Subcutaneously Administered RNAi Therapeutic Targeting Angiopoietin-Like 3 (ANGPTL3) for the Treatment of Genetic Forms of Mixed Hyperlipidemia and Severe Hypertriglyceridemia –
CAMBRIDGE, MA, USA I November 17, 2013 I Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:ALNY), a leading RNAi therapeutics company, announced today that it has presented new pre-clinical data from two RNAi therapeutic programs for cardiovascular disease, including: ALN-PCSsc, an RNAi therapeutic targeting PCSK9 for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia; and ALN-ANG, an RNAi therapeutic targeting ANGPTL3 for the treatment of genetic forms of mixed hyperlipidemia and severe hypertriglyceridemia. These data were presented at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions held November 16 – 20, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. In a presentation titled “A Subcutaneous Platform for RNAi Therapeutics Targeting Metabolic Diseases: PCSK9 and ANGPTL3,” Alnylam scientists and collaborators presented updated non-human primate (NHP) data showing that subcutaneous administration of ALN-PCSsc led to an up to 95% knockdown of plasma PCSK9 and an up to 67% reduction of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) – in the absence of statin co-administration. In addition, new results were presented for ALN-ANG, showing a greater than 95% reduction of triglycerides and greater than 85% reduction of LDL-C in a rodent model of mixed hyperlipidemia. ALN-PCSsc and ALN-ANG utilize the company’s proprietary GalNAc-siRNA conjugate delivery platform, which is designed to achieve targeted delivery of RNAi therapeutics to hepatocytes through uptake by the asialoglycoprotein receptor, enabling subcutaneous dose administration with a wide therapeutic index. ALN-PCSsc and ALN-ANG are programs in the company’s “Alnylam 5×15” product development and commercialization strategy, where the company aims to advance at least five RNAi therapeutic programs toward genetically validated disease targets into clinical development, including programs in advanced stages, by the end of 2015.
“Our recent progress with GalNAc-siRNA conjugates enables advancement of subcutaneously administered RNAi therapeutics for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, and our new data presented at the AHA meeting feature our efforts with ALN-PCSsc and ALN-ANG. With ALN-PCSsc, our new study results in non-human primates show an up to 95% knockdown of plasma PCSK9 and an up to 67% reduction of LDL-C – in the absence of statin co-administration, with a very durable knockdown of more than 50 days after the last dose. We believe these results support a highly competitive target product profile, and we look forward to advancing ALN-PCSsc toward clinical trials in 2014 with our partner The Medicines Company,” said Rachel Meyers, Ph.D., Vice President of Research and RNAi Lead Development at Alnylam. “In addition, our scientists presented new data from our discovery program with ALN-ANG. Specifically, a lead GalNAc-siRNA conjugate targeting ANGPTL3 showed a greater than 95% reduction of triglycerides and a greater than 85% reduction of LDL-C in a mouse model of mixed hyperlipidemia. These pre-clinical results phenocopy the human genetics for loss of function in ANGPTL3, and are supportive of our efforts to advance this new RNAi therapeutic program into later stages of pre-clinical development.”
New ALN-PCSsc data presented at AHA are based on studies performed in NHPs. Updated results show that ALN-PCSsc led to an up to 95% knockdown of plasma PCSK9, with mean PCSK9 knockdown at nadir of 87% (p<0.0001 compared with pre-dose values according to ANOVA models) and an up to 67% lowering of LDL-C, with mean LDL-C lowering at nadir of 62% (p<0.0001 compared with pre-dose values). The level of LDL-C reduction was achieved in the absence of statin co-administration. Knockdown of PCSK9 and lowering of LDL-C was rapid and durable, with effects lasting greater than 50 days after the final dose, supportive of the potential for once-monthly dosing and a highly competitive target product profile. In February 2013, Alnylam formed an exclusive global alliance with The Medicines Company for the development and commercialization of the ALN-PCS program, including ALN-PCSsc. Alnylam and The Medicines Company have recently announced selection of their Development Candidate for ALN-PCSsc. Alnylam plans to file an Investigational New Drug (IND) application in 2014 and will lead the program through the completion of Phase I. The Medicines Company is responsible for leading and funding development from Phase II forward and commercializing the ALN-PCS program if successful.
In addition to updating data on the company’s PCSK9 program, Alnylam scientists and collaborators presented new pre-clinical data from the company’s ALN-ANG discovery program. ANGPTL3 is an inhibitor of cellular lipases involved in the metabolism of lipoproteins. Human genetic as well as exome sequencing studies have identified a statistically significant relationship of loss-of-function mutations in ANGPTL3 with decreased levels of triglycerides and LDL-C (N. Engl. J. Med (2010) 363:2220-2227). The new pre-clinical studies were performed in an “ob/ob” mouse model of obesity and mixed hyperlipidemia. A single dose of a GalNAc-siRNA targeting ANGPTL3 was found to lead to robust, dose-dependent knockdown of ANGPTL3 protein, with a single dose ED50 of approximately 1 mg/kg. In a multi-dose experiment, subcutaneous doses of 3.0 mg/kg led to a greater than 95% knockdown of ANGPTL3 protein. This ANGPLT3 protein reduction resulted in a greater than 95% reduction in triglycerides, and a more than 85% reduction in LDL-C. In addition, total cholesterol was reduced by greater than 60%. These new data with ALN-ANG support further advancement of this program for the treatment of genetic forms of mixed hyperlipidemia and severe hypertriglyceridemia, which are associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease and/or recurrent pancreatitis.
“Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Elevated LDL-C and triglycerides are two well validated and modifiable risk factors. A substantial number of patients, especially those at high risk for cardiovascular disease, are unable to achieve reduced levels of LDL and triglycerides with current drugs, such as statins or fibrates, and it is clear that new therapeutic options are needed,” said Daniel J. Rader, M.D., professor of Medicine and chief, Division of Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Rader also serves on Alnylam’s Scientific Advisory Board. “As a key regulator of LDL receptor levels, liver-expressed PCSK9 is an important and well validated novel target in molecular medicine for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Likewise, loss-of-function ANGPTL3 mutations in humans are associated with reduced levels of LDL-C and triglyceride and it is encouraging that an RNAi-based therapeutic targeting ANGPTL3 expression in the liver reproduced these effects in a mouse model. I look forward to continued advancement of novel therapeutics, including RNAi, toward these important disease targets.”
About Hypercholesterolemia
Hypercholesterolemia is a condition characterized by very high levels of cholesterol in the blood which is known to increase the risk of coronary artery disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S. Some forms of hypercholesterolemia can be treated through dietary restrictions, lifestyle modifications (e.g., exercise and smoking cessation) and medicines such as statins. However, a large proportion of patients with hypercholesterolemia are not achieving target LDL-C goals with statin therapy, including genetic familial hypercholesterolemia patients, acute coronary syndrome patients, high-risk patient populations (e.g., patients with coronary artery disease, diabetics, symptomatic carotid artery disease, etc.) and other patients that are statin intolerant. Severe forms of hypercholesterolemia are estimated to affect more than 500,000 patients worldwide, and as a result, there is a significant need for novel therapeutics to treat patients with hypercholesterolemia whose disease is inadequately managed by existing therapies.
About ALN-PCS
ALN-PCS is a systemically delivered RNAi therapeutic targeting the gene proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), a target validated by human genetics that is involved in the metabolism of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, or “bad” cholesterol). ALN-PCS therapies are PCSK9 synthesis inhibitors that lower levels of both intracellular and extracellular PCSK9, thereby phenocopying the human genetics observed in loss of function or null human PCSK9 mutations (N. Engl. J. Med. (2006) 354:1264-1272; Am. J. Hum. Genet. (2006) 79: 514-523). PCSK9 synthesis inhibition through an RNAi mechanism has the potential to lower tissue and circulating plasma PCSK9 protein levels resulting in higher LDL receptor levels in the liver, and subsequently lower LDL-C levels in the blood stream. Lower LDL-C is associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, including myocardial infarction and stroke.
About Mixed Hyperlipidemia and Severe Hypertriglyceridemia
Mixed hyperlipidemia is a genetically inherited condition characterized by very high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, both of which are known to increase the risk of coronary artery disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S. It is estimated that as many as 1 out of every 100 individuals have mixed hyperlipidemia and are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Some forms of mixed hyperlipidemia can be treated through dietary restrictions, lifestyle modifications (e.g., exercise and smoking cessation), and medicines such as statins or fibrates; however, a large portion of mixed hyperlipidemia patients are unable to reach either their LDL-C and/or triglyceride goals with the current standard of care. Patients with severe, inherited forms of hypertriglyceridemia (e.g., familial chylomicronemia syndrome, or “FCS”) are at extremely high risk of developing recurrent pancreatitis. FCS is a rare orphan genetic disease that affects 1 to 2 individuals per million.
About ALN-ANG
ALN-ANG is an RNAi therapeutic targeting the gene angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) for the treatment of genetic forms of mixed hyperlipidemia and severe hypertriglyceridemia. ANGPTL3 is a liver-expressed, genetically validated target that acts to inhibit lipoprotein lipase and endothelial lipase, and has been shown to increase plasma triglycerides, as well as low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Exome sequencing studies have identified a statistically significant relationship of loss-of-function mutations in ANGPTL3 with decreased levels of triglycerides and LDL-C (N. Engl. J. Med (2010) 363:2220-2227). A subcutaneously administered RNAi therapeutic that inhibits ANGPTL3 synthesis and lowers both LDL-C and triglycerides represents a novel approach to the treatment of genetic forms of mixed hyperlipidemia and severe hypertriglyceridemia. ALN-ANG utilizes Alnylam’s proprietary GalNAc conjugate delivery platform enabling subcutaneous dose administration.
About GalNAc Conjugates
GalNAc-siRNA conjugates are a proprietary Alnylam delivery platform and are designed to achieve targeted delivery of RNAi therapeutics to hepatocytes through uptake by the asialoglycoprotein receptor. Research findings demonstrate potent and durable target gene silencing, as well as a wide therapeutic index, with subcutaneously administered GalNAc-siRNAs from multiple “Alnylam 5×15” programs.
About RNA Interference (RNAi)
RNAi (RNA interference) is a revolution in biology, representing a breakthrough in understanding how genes are turned on and off in cells, and a completely new approach to drug discovery and development. Its discovery has been heralded as “a major scientific breakthrough that happens once every decade or so,” and represents one of the most promising and rapidly advancing frontiers in biology and drug discovery today which was awarded the 2006 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine. RNAi is a natural process of gene silencing that occurs in organisms ranging from plants to mammals. By harnessing the natural biological process of RNAi occurring in our cells, the creation of a major new class of medicines, known as RNAi therapeutics, is on the horizon. Small interfering RNA (siRNA), the molecules that mediate RNAi and comprise Alnylam’s RNAi therapeutic platform, target the cause of diseases by potently silencing specific mRNAs, thereby preventing disease-causing proteins from being made. RNAi therapeutics have the potential to treat disease and help patients in a fundamentally new way.
About Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
Alnylam is a biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutics based on RNA interference, or RNAi. The company is leading the translation of RNAi as a new class of innovative medicines with a core focus on RNAi therapeutics toward genetically defined targets for the treatment of serious, life-threatening diseases with limited treatment options for patients and their caregivers. These include: patisiran (ALN-TTR02), an intravenously delivered RNAi therapeutic targeting transthyretin (TTR) for the treatment of TTR-mediated amyloidosis (ATTR) in patients with familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP); ALN-TTRsc, a subcutaneously delivered RNAi therapeutic targeting TTR for the treatment of ATTR in patients with familial amyloidotic cardiomyopathy (FAC); ALN-AT3, an RNAi therapeutic targeting antithrombin (AT) for the treatment of hemophilia and rare bleeding disorders (RBD); ALN-AS1, an RNAi therapeutic targeting aminolevulinate synthase-1 (ALAS-1) for the treatment of porphyria including acute intermittent porphyria (AIP); ALN-CC5, an RNAi therapeutic targeting complement component C5 for the treatment of complement-mediated diseases; ALN-PCS, an RNAi therapeutic targeting PCSK9 for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia; ALN-TMP, an RNAi therapeutic targeting TMPRSS6 for the treatment of beta-thalassemia and iron-overload disorders; ALN-AAT, an RNAi therapeutic targeting alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) for the treatment of AAT deficiency liver disease; and ALN-ANG, an RNAi therapeutic targeting ANGPTL3 for the treatment of genetic forms of mixed hyperlipidemia and severe hypertriglyceridemia, amongst other programs. As part of its “Alnylam 5×15” strategy, the company expects to have five RNAi therapeutic products for genetically defined diseases in clinical development, including programs in advanced stages, on its own or with a partner by the end of 2015. Alnylam has additional partnered programs in clinical or development stages, including ALN-RSV01 for the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and ALN-VSP for the treatment of liver cancers. The company’s leadership position on RNAi therapeutics and intellectual property have enabled it to form major alliances with leading companies including Merck, Medtronic, Novartis, Biogen Idec, Roche, Takeda, Kyowa Hakko Kirin, Cubist, Ascletis, Monsanto, Genzyme, and The Medicines Company. In addition, Alnylam holds an equity position in Regulus Therapeutics Inc., a company focused on discovery, development, and commercialization of microRNA therapeutics. Alnylam has also formed Alnylam Biotherapeutics, a division of the company focused on the development of RNAi technologies for applications in biologics manufacturing, including recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibodies. Alnylam’s VaxiRNA™ platform applies RNAi technology to improve the manufacturing processes for vaccines; GlaxoSmithKline is a collaborator in this effort. Alnylam scientists and collaborators have published their research on RNAi therapeutics in over 100 peer-reviewed papers, including many in the world’s top scientific journals such as Nature, Nature Medicine, Nature Biotechnology, Cell, the New England Journal of Medicine, and The Lancet. Founded in 2002, Alnylam maintains headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts. For more information, please visit www.alnylam.com.
SOURCE: Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
Post Views: 266
