Roche, Alnylan Enter $310M Upfront Hypertension Alliance

Roche entered into a partnership with Alnylam to develop and commercialize zilebesiran, an investigational RNAi therapeutic currently in Phase 2 trials for the treatment of hypertension.

Alnylam and Roche will co-commercialize zilebesiran in the U.S. and share cost and profits equally. Outside the U.S. Roche obtains exclusive commercialization rights. Alnylam will lead a joint clinical development plan for the first indication with Roche’s participation, which includes a cardiovascular outcomes trial prior to submission of zilebesiran for regulatory approval. Roche may lead development for additional indications in the future.

Alnylam will receive $310 million upfront and is eligible to receive development, regulatory and commercial milestones, including near-term milestones and royalties.

Based on Phase 1 data, zilebesiran could be a best-in-disease treatment for patients with hypertension at high cardiovascular risk. It also has the potential of improved adherence and compliance to treatment due to the possible biannual subcutaneous dosing regimen. Zilebesiran may also provide patient benefit in additional cardiovascular indications.

In a Phase 1 study, zilebesiran was associated with dose-dependent reductions in serum angiotensinogen (AGT), achieving tonic blood pressure control with consistent and durable blood pressure reduction throughout a 24-hour period, sustained up to six months after single doses of ≥200 mg. Zilebesiran also demonstrated an acceptable safety profile.

The safety and efficacy of zilebesiran are being investigated in Alnylam’s KARDIA Phase 2 clinical program either as a monotherapy (KARDIA-1) or in combination with one of three standard-of-care antihypertensive medications (KARDIA-2).

“We are excited to work together with Alnylam and leverage our strong R&D capabilities, our leadership in cardiovascular diagnostics and our global commercial footprint to further develop and provide this promising therapy with best-in-disease potential to patients,” said Teresa Graham, CEO Roche Pharma. “Throughout our history, we have redefined the standard of care across various disease areas. Together with a strong partner like Alnylam, we are looking forward to making a significant impact for patients living with hypertension at high cardiovascular risk and potentially other cardiovascular indications.”

“We are thrilled to announce this collaboration, as it combines Alnylam’s proven track record in RNAi therapeutics with Roche’s global commercial reach, commitment to innovation and desire to transform the landscape for patients with severe cardiovascular diseases,” said Yvonne Greenstreet, CEO of Alnylam. “With this collaboration, we now can develop zilebesiran in a more robust way, allowing us to have cardiovascular outcomes data in hand at launch to ensure results relevant not only for health authorities but also for access and clinical practice in order to ultimately reach as many patients as possible.”