Isis: Pondering Platform Power

The January 2008 collaboration Isis forged with Genzyme was transformative for Isis and a desperately sought-after validation of the antisense field. But unlike its brethren in oligonucleotide drug development -- and most biotechs, for that matter -- Isis rejects the notion of commercializing its products. The deal sets up a paradox: Can Isis remain a platform company once investors' focus is on a product and its trajectory? In a sense, can it stay small?