Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc. have reportedly entered into a definitive collaborative deal. Authentic sources claim that the deal has been inked in a major effort to discover, advance and commercialize treatments for the CNS (central nervous system) and the eye.

As per the terms of the transaction, Regeneron is making an upfront payment of $400 million to Alnylam and further acquiring additional $400 million in equity at $90 per share. Alnylam is to receive another $200 million as milestone payment during the early development stage for the CNS & the eye programs.  

As reported by Regeneron, Alnylam looks to work exclusively with Regeneron and discover RNAi therapeutics for the two fundamental indications comprising the eye & the CNS diseases. Regeneron will lead the development & marketing of the programs, while Alnylam will be accountable for the milestone payments and royalties.

George D. Yancopoulos, President & Chief Scientific Officer, Regeneron, said that the company’s believes its resources can be best used by investing in potentially game-changing science, which is certain to yield effective medicines for patients suffering from serious diseases. He further commented that the latest collaboration incorporates the emerging, promising RNAi technology with the world-leading genetics & target discovery engine of Regeneron.  

John Maraganore, the Alnylam CEO, said that the latest industry-leading association is being observed as an important prospect for RNAi therapeutics, which are potentially transformative medicines for the CNS as well as ocular diseases.

Regeneron and Alnylam are planning to advance the programs up to 30 targets, and several of these will be turned into clinical development in the course of the initial 5-year discovery period, which also involves an option for partnership extension.

Besides this deal, Regeneron is leading a consortium for the DNA sequencing of about 500,000 UK residents, which will be merging the company’s genetic research expertise with the RNAi technology of Alnylam.