Sanofi’s Genzyme is to pay US$700 M upfront to gain a 12% equity stake in Alnylam Pharmaceuticals in return for rights to access the RNAi specialist’s entire pipeline of genetic medicines in all territories outside of North America and Western Europe up until 2020. These rights are structured as an opt-in triggered on achievement of clinical proof-of-concept. The alliance represents a significant expansion of the companies’ regional licensing deal for Alnylam’s lead asset patisiran, which is in Phase III for transthyretin-familial amyloid polyneuropathy. Alnylam has also agreed to buy former rival Sirna Therapeutics from Merck & Co. for US$175 M upfront in cash and stock.