Genzyme, Alnylam Expand Collaboration on Rare Genetic Diseases

Genzyme, a Sanofi company

, and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals

announced today that they have significantly expanded their strategic agreement to develop and commercialize treatments for rare genetic diseases. Genzyme will have significant rights to Alnylam's portfolio of clinical and pre-clinical stage drug candidates. Alnylam will retain most product rights in North America and Western Europe, and will have significantly expanded development and commercial opportunities for its genetic medicine pipeline through Genzyme's established global infrastructure in rare diseases. “This collaboration is an important building block for our future. It strengthens our pipeline and provides us with the opportunity to meet the needs