8 January 2018 - - Cambridge, Massachusetts-based RNA interference therapeutics developer Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALNY) has expanded the Alnylam Act program to include no-charge, third-party genetic testing and counseling for individuals who may carry a gene mutation known to be associated with acute hepatic porphyrias (AHPs), a family of ultra-rare, often misdiagnosed genetic diseases, the company said.
AHPs are characterised by acute, potentially life-threatening abdominal attacks and chronic debilitating multi-system symptoms that severely impact patients' quality of life.
Genetic testing available through Alnylam Act is provided by Invitae, an independent, third-party genetic testing company. The genetic testing must be ordered by a healthcare professional and is available in the United States and Canada.
Genetic counseling is provided by InformedDNA, an independent, third-party genetic counseling provider and is available in the US only.
The Alnylam Act program was created to reduce barriers to genetic testing and counseling to help people make more informed decisions about their health. While Alnylam provides financial support for this program, all tests and services are performed by independent third parties.
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and commercializes novel therapeutics based on RNA interference.
Its pipeline of investigational RNAi therapeutics is focused on genetic medicines, cardio-metabolic diseases, and hepatic infectious diseases.