Publications
Publications
- June 2016
- HBS Case Collection
Alnylam: Building a Biotechnology Powerhouse
By: Kevin Schulman
Abstract
Alnylam is an early stage biomedical technology focused on commercial development of a novel technology platform, siRNA. This technology offered promise to treat rare genetic disorders that could not be treated with other technologies. Alnlyam's development entailed the aggressive assembly of an intellectual property portfolio around their core platform technology, the development of a licensure strategy with large-cap pharmaceutical firms (which included the co-development of a delivery platform for their technology), and finally a clinical development strategy. The case illustrates the challenges of drug development based on novel scientific frameworks, as well as the promise of "personalized" medicine.
Keywords
Technological Innovation; Commercialization; Health Disorders; Intellectual Property; Biotechnology Industry
Citation
Schulman, Kevin. "Alnylam: Building a Biotechnology Powerhouse." Harvard Business School Case 316-113, June 2016.