Tenaya Therapeutics partners with Alnylam Pharmaceuticals to identify up to 15 genetic targets for RNAi-based cardiovascular therapies, with potential milestone payments of up to $1.13 billion.
Written By: Samiksha Jadhav, BPharm
Reviewed By: Pharmacally Editorial Team
Tenaya Therapeutics has entered a research collaboration with Alnylam Pharmaceuticals to identify and validate novel human genetic targets that could enable the development of disease-modifying therapies for cardiovascular diseases.
The partnership will combine Tenaya’s human genetics–driven discovery platform with Alnylam’s expertise in RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics to advance new precision medicines targeting the underlying causes of heart disease.
Tenaya’s target identification and validation platform integrates several proprietary technologies designed to uncover genetic drivers of cardiovascular disease. The approach uses human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) for high-throughput in-vitro screening, supported by advanced imaging analysis and machine learning algorithms to identify potential disease-associated gene targets.
These discoveries are then validated using engineered human heart tissue models and preclinical in vivo systems that mimic human cardiovascular disease. Through this integrated platform, Tenaya has already generated more than 150 potential genetic targets and supported the development of several pipeline programs, including the clinical-stage gene therapies TN-201 and TN-401 as well as the small-molecule candidate TN-301.
Faraz Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Tenaya Therapeutics, said the collaboration reflects the company’s focus on advancing genetically informed therapies for cardiovascular conditions. He noted that combining Tenaya’s modality-agnostic target discovery and validation capabilities with Alnylam’s leadership in RNA interference therapeutics creates an opportunity to translate novel genetic insights into transformational medicines for patients with heart disease.
Under the terms of the agreement, Tenaya will identify and validate up to 15 gene targets during a two-year research period. The company will receive up to $10 million in upfront funding and additional reimbursement for related research costs. Alnylam will be responsible for the development and commercialization of therapeutics directed at the identified targets. If all targets progress successfully to approved cardiovascular therapies, Tenaya could receive up to $1.13 billion in development and commercial milestone payments.
Reference
Tenaya Therapeutics Enters into Research Collaboration with Alnylam Pharmaceuticals to Identify and Validate Novel Genetic Targets for Cardiovascular Disease Therapeutics, 05 March 2026, https://investors.tenayatherapeutics.com/news-releases/news-release-details/tenaya-therapeutics-enters-research-collaboration-alnylam
About Writer
Samiksha Vikram Jadhav, B.Pharm
She is a pharmacy graduate with a keen interest in clinical research, pharmacovigilance, and medical writing, with a growing focus on publication and scientific content development. In her words, she is passionate about translating complex medical data into clear, evidence-based communication.