Today, Blackstone announced a new collaboration with Alnylam, a world-leading biotech company and a pioneer in the field of RNA interference (RNAi) medicines, a new class of therapies with transformative potential. Discovered through 2006 Nobel-Prize winning science, RNAi therapeutics aim to block the body’s production of disease-causing proteins – an approach that could revolutionize care for patients suffering from a wide range of debilitating diseases.
This investment, led by Blackstone Life Sciences and GSO Capital Partners, will support Alnylam’s efforts to advance these medicines as it continues to grow and develop its product pipeline. In August 2018, Alnylam obtained the first-ever FDA approval of an RNAi therapeutic and has since had a second RNAi therapeutic approved by the FDA as well.
One RNAi therapeutic, inclisiran, has been shown in testing to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol with an acceptable safety profile. If approved, it is expected to help patients lower LDL cholesterol, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of mortality in the U.S. and globally.
“Alnylam’s RNAi technology represents one of the most promising and rapidly advancing frontiers in biology and drug development today, and aligns perfectly with our investment strategy,” said Global Head of Blackstone Life Sciences Nicholas Galakatos, Ph.D.
This collaboration also showcases how Blackstone is uniquely positioned to serve and partner with companies through a “one-stop-shop” approach. Our businesses were able to offer Alnylam a complete capital solution including debt, equity and risk-sharing. In addition, Alnylam will gain access to the Blackstone Group Purchasing Organization, which helps our 200+ portfolio companies implement cost savings and cross-sell across the Blackstone portfolio.
The Alnylam transaction marks the third major deal for Blackstone Life Sciences, which first launched in the fall of 2018 with Blackstone’s acquisition of Clarus. Since then, Blackstone Life Sciences has launched the cardiovascular drug company Anthos with Novartis, and established FerGene, to advance a new bladder cancer therapy, with Ferring Pharmaceuticals. This latest announcement demonstrates our commitment to partnering with pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical technology companies to address unmet medical needs and improve patients’ lives.
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