Novartis adopted RNAi as a therapeutic platform by forming a strategic alliance with Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. The significance of the deal for Alnylam is not to be underestimated and is evidenced by how the company’s share price responded to the news. Aside from the financial rewards, the alliance provides Alnylam with an opportunity to create a whole new pipeline and thus accelerate its desired transformation into an RNAi-based therapeutics company.