Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ALNY) recently announced that it has received an exclusive license from the New York University (NYU) for intellectual property covering therapeutic uses of miR-33a and miR-33b to treat diseases such as atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome.
The license was obtained by Regulus Therapeutics Inc., a joint venture company formed by Alnylam in collaboration with Isis Pharmaceuticals (ISIS). In addition to the latest license, Regulus also owns fundamental patent rights related to miR-33a and miR-33b.
Atherosclerosis refers to a condition in which the build-up of fatty substances like cholesterol results in the thickening of artery walls. The build-up results in the formation of atherosclerotic lesions or plaques that can slow down or stop the blood flow, ultimately causing myocardial infarction or stroke.
Scientist at Regulus and NYU discovered that antagonism of miR-33a and miR-33b leads to a reduction of atherosclerotic plaque. Furthermore, it leads to a rise in the level of good cholesterol (HDL) in blood. In preclinical studies, miR-33a and miR-33b have shown to reduce arterial lesions in mice.
Alnylam has a 45% stake in Regulus. Regulus is carrying out research in microRNA and has entered into major partnerships with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Sanofi Aventis (SNY).
Our Recommendation
We currently have a Neutral recommendation on Alnylam, which is supported by a Zacks #3 Rank (short-term “Hold” rating). We like the company’s newly launched “5X15” initiative and are pleased with the progress of the company’s pipeline.
Alnylam’s balance sheet is also very strong. However, with the end of two major deals with Novartis AG (NVS) and Roche Holdings Ltd (RHHBY) in the recent past, we prefer to remain on the sidelines as the company could lose out on major milestone payments and royalties. We also await further visibility on the clinical progress of the pipeline as well as Alnylam’sability to enter into large partnerships.
ALNYLAM PHARMA (ALNY): Free Stock Analysis Report
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ISIS PHARMACEUT (ISIS): Free Stock Analysis Report
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SANOFI-AVENTIS (SNY): Free Stock Analysis Report
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