GlaxoSmithKline to collaborate with Alnylam Pharmaceuticals

GlaxoSmithKline is set to collaborate with Alynlam Pharmaceuticals by integrating the company's VaxiRNATM technology into influenza vaccines.

A statement from Alynlam indicates that the UK pharmaceutical firm will aim to apply the VaxiRNA platform to its existing cell culture production processes for making shots for influenza and other pathogens.

VaxiRNA is a new RNA interference technology for the enhanced production of viruses used in the manufacture of vaccines.

"We are excited to form a new collaboration with GSK, a global leader and innovator in vaccine development and manufacturing," said chief executive of Alynlam John Maraganore.

"With GSK, we aim to apply VaxiRNA technology to enhance influenza vaccine production in cell culture."

GlaxoSmithKline is set to provide funding and certain milestone payments to Alynlam as part of the agreement, which will also lead to royalties for the latter company if a commercial product is realised.

Alynlam recently reported revenues of $20.8 million (12.9 million pounds) for the third quarter of 2011, compared with $27.7 million for the same period last year.