Alnylam Announces Retirement of Co-Founder and Esteemed Board Member Dr. Phillip A. Sharp
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALNY), the pioneering leader in RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics, today announced the retirement of Dr. Phillip A. Sharp, Ph.D., from the Company’s Board of Directors, effective May 8, 2025. As a co-founder of Alnylam in 2002 and a visionary scientist whose contributions have transformed the landscape of molecular biology and drug development, Dr. Sharp leaves behind a legacy of innovation and scientific excellence. While stepping down from his board position, Dr. Sharp will continue to serve as a member of Alnylam’s Scientific Advisory Board, ensuring his invaluable expertise and insights remain accessible to the company.
A Legacy of Innovation and Leadership
Over his 22-year tenure with Alnylam, Dr. Sharp has been instrumental in shaping the company’s mission, strategy, and groundbreaking advances in RNAi therapeutics. His pioneering work in RNA biology and gene silencing has not only helped establish Alnylam as a trailblazer in the biotechnology industry but has also contributed to the development of a transformative class of medicines aimed at treating a range of genetic and rare diseases.
“Phil helped pioneer the RNAi revolution, sparking the scientific collaboration that led to Alnylam’s founding and the development of a transformative new class of medicines,” said Yvonne Greenstreet, MBChB, Chief Executive Officer of Alnylam. “His profound insights, scientific acumen, and unwavering commitment to scientific excellence have played a crucial role in Alnylam’s remarkable journey. On behalf of the entire company—and in recognition of the tens of thousands of patients worldwide who have benefited from RNAi therapeutics—I extend our deepest gratitude to Phil for his groundbreaking vision and enduring contributions to the field of medicine.”
The impact of Dr. Sharp’s leadership extends beyond Alnylam, as he has played a vital role in shaping RNAi research and its applications across the biotechnology sector. His mentorship and guidance have influenced numerous scientists and researchers, many of whom continue to push the boundaries of RNA-based therapeutics today.
A Tribute from the Board of Directors
Amy W. Schulman, Chair of Alnylam’s Board of Directors, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the magnitude of Dr. Sharp’s contributions. “Phil has made so many important scientific discoveries throughout his distinguished career, and his role at Alnylam has been nothing short of pivotal,” she said. “His leadership, wisdom, and vision have been instrumental in shaping not just Alnylam but the entire RNAi industry. The Board and I extend our heartfelt thanks to Phil for his extraordinary service, and we are incredibly grateful for his lasting impact.”
Dr. Sharp’s leadership at Alnylam has been marked by a commitment to pushing the frontiers of science, translating novel discoveries into therapeutic advancements, and fostering a culture of relentless innovation. His contributions have been vital in Alnylam’s transition from a research-stage company to a global leader in RNAi therapeutics, with multiple FDA-approved drugs and a robust pipeline of investigational therapies.
Dr. Phillip A. Sharp: A Distinguished Career
Dr. Sharp’s legacy is one of scientific brilliance, groundbreaking discoveries, and dedicated mentorship. A Nobel Laureate, Dr. Sharp was awarded the 1993 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of RNA splicing, a fundamental biological process that revolutionized molecular genetics and paved the way for significant advancements in RNA-based therapies. His scientific achievements have earned him numerous prestigious honors, including:
- The 2004 National Medal of Science, awarded by the President of the United States for his outstanding contributions to science and technology.
- The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cancer Research in 2020.
- Membership in the National Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Medicine, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Beyond Alnylam, Dr. Sharp has played a foundational role in advancing biotechnology and the broader scientific community. He is the Institute Professor Emeritus of the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT and was the Founding Director of the McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT. His work has significantly influenced RNA biology, cancer research, and therapeutic innovation.
In addition to co-founding Alnylam, Dr. Sharp was also a co-founder of Biogen, another trailblazing biotechnology company, and has served as a director for several other prominent biotech firms. His guidance and thought leadership have been instrumental in fostering the success of numerous companies at the intersection of molecular biology and drug development.
RNAi: A Transformative Frontier in Medicine
Dr. Sharp’s foundational contributions to RNA research have directly influenced the emergence of RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics, a revolutionary approach to treating genetic diseases. RNAi is a natural cellular process that enables gene silencing, offering a powerful method to target and regulate disease-causing genes. The significance of RNAi was globally recognized with the 2006 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, awarded to the scientists who first discovered this mechanism.
By harnessing RNAi, Alnylam has pioneered a new class of medicines that function by silencing specific messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules, preventing the production of disease-related proteins at their source. This innovative approach has led to the development and approval of multiple RNAi-based drugs that provide targeted, durable, and potentially life-changing treatments for patients with genetic and rare diseases.
Dr. Sharp’s work laid the scientific foundation for Alnylam’s groundbreaking advancements in RNAi therapeutics. Today, Alnylam continues to expand its pipeline with novel RNAi therapies aimed at addressing a broader spectrum of diseases, including neurological, metabolic, and cardiometabolic disorders. His vision and contributions will remain deeply embedded in Alnylam’s mission to transform medicine through RNA-based innovations.
