Tekmira partner starts human trials of ALN-TTR01

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ALNY), one of Tekmira Pharmaceuticals‘ (TSX:TKM) partners, has initiated dosing in a Phase 1 clinical trial of its ALN-TTR01 product candidate in patients with transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (ATTR), a disease that results in damage to the peripheral nerves and heart.

ALN-TTR01 is a RNA-interference therapeutic that uses Tekmira’s lipid nanoparticle delivery technology, SNALP (stable nucleic acid-lipid particles). The placebo-controlled dose escalation study will be conducted in Portugal, Sweden, and the U.K., and is designed to enrol about 28 ATTR patients.

The Phase 1 triggers a milestone payment to Tekmira. “We continue to support Alnylam in the advancement of their systemic product candidates, including ALN-TTR01, and provide drug product through an exclusive manufacturing agreement,” Tekmira CEO Dr. Mark J. Murray said in a statement.