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Merck, Alnylam to develop AMD biotech treatment

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Merck & Co. and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals announced plans earlier this week to develop and commercialize a gene therapy treatment for age-related macular degeneration and other ocular diseases caused by neovascularization.

The two companies will focus on RNA interference (RNAI) therapeutics to develop the treatments, according to the press release. Under terms of the agreement, Alnylam will receive a cash payment from Merck and, if all milestones are met, could receive up to $19.5 million. The two companies will jointly develop the product in the United States; Merck will handle all marketing and sales outside the United States.

RNAI technology uses a natural biological mechanism to inhibit the expression of disease-causing genes, according to the press release. The two companies were already working together to develop RNAI technology for treatments of other diseases.