Alnylam/Regeneron Face Crowded IgA Nephropathy Field, But Combinations Likely

Phase II data for Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s cemdisiran in IgA nephropathy positions the drug well for advancement into Phase III development, but the ring it is stepping into is a biotech battle royale, with several competing drugs also in development, including ones that are in later stages, approaching the finish line or that have already crossed it. However, the competitive situation may not be so cut and dry, as Alnylam previously said it foresees a situation where patients take multiple drugs.

Alnylam announced the Phase II results on 29 August for cemdisiran, a complement C5-targeting RNA interference drug that it is developing under a partnership with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The...