Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Announces Strategic Refresh of Board of Directors to Propel Next Phase of Growth
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.the global pioneer and leader in RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics, today announced a significant strategic evolution of its Board of Directors, reflecting the company’s maturation into a fully integrated, commercial-stage biopharmaceutical enterprise. The changes — effective as of December 2, 2025 — include the departure of two distinguished directors, Mike Bonney and Dr. Carolyn Bertozzi, and the appointment of Stuart Arbuckle, a seasoned biopharmaceutical executive with extensive global commercial leadership experience, who will join the Board effective January 5, 2026.
This leadership transition marks a pivotal moment in Alnylam’s journey from a trailblazing science-driven startup to a robust, multi-product company delivering transformative medicines to patients worldwide. The refresh underscores the Board’s deliberate focus on aligning governance expertise with the company’s current strategic priorities: global commercial scale-up, pipeline diversification across both rare and prevalent diseases, and sustainable long-term growth.
A Legacy of Foundational Leadership: Honoring Mike Bonney’s Tenure
Mike Bonney, who has served on Alnylam’s Board since 2014, stepped down after more than a decade of exceptional service. His tenure spanned some of the most critical inflection points in the company’s history. Initially joining as a director, Mr. Bonney was appointed Board Chair in December 2015 and later assumed the role of Executive Chair from August 2021 to January 2023. Throughout his time, he provided steadfast strategic guidance during periods of intense scientific validation, regulatory breakthroughs, and commercial expansion.
Under his leadership, Alnylam achieved a series of industry-defining milestones. Most notably, the company secured the first-ever regulatory approvals for RNAi therapeutics — a feat once considered scientifically improbable. The launches of ONPATTRO® (patisiran), GIVLAARI® (givosiran), OXLUMO® (lumasiran), and AMVUTTRA® (vutrisiran) not only validated the RNAi platform but also established Alnylam as the undisputed leader in a new therapeutic modality. Mr. Bonney played a central role in shaping the company’s go-to-market strategy, capital allocation decisions, and long-term vision for building a sustainable, patient-focused enterprise.
As a Class I director, Mr. Bonney’s term was scheduled to conclude at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. However, in recognition of Alnylam’s evolving governance needs and his own desire to support a smooth succession, he elected to step down early. His departure closes a chapter of foundational leadership that helped transform a novel scientific concept into a global healthcare reality.
“Mike’s strategic foresight, operational discipline, and unwavering belief in RNAi’s potential were instrumental in Alnylam’s rise,” said Dr. Yvonne Greenstreet, Chief Executive Officer of Alnylam. “He didn’t just oversee growth—he helped architect it. From navigating our first FDA approval to guiding our transition into a profitable, multi-product company, Mike’s impact is woven into the fabric of Alnylam’s success.”
Scientific Vision Meets Governance: Dr. Carolyn Bertozzi’s Impactful Tenure
Dr. Carolyn Bertozzi, Nobel Laureate and world-renowned chemist, joined Alnylam’s Board in 2023, bringing unparalleled scientific credibility and deep expertise in chemical biology, glycobiology, and bioorthogonal chemistry. During her tenure, she served on both the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Science and Technology Committee, and also contributed to the company’s Scientific Advisory Board.
Though her formal board service lasted just over two years, Dr. Bertozzi’s influence was immediate and profound. At a time when Alnylam was expanding its pipeline beyond liver-targeted therapies into new tissues and disease areas — including central nervous system disorders, cardiovascular conditions, and ocular diseases — her scientific acumen provided invaluable perspective. She challenged assumptions, encouraged bold exploration of next-generation delivery platforms, and reinforced the company’s commitment to scientific rigor even as it scaled commercially.
Dr. Bertozzi’s decision to resign from the Board follows her recent election to the Board of Directors of Eli Lilly and Company, effective December 8, 2025. Given the increased demands of her academic work at Stanford University, her leadership of multiple biotech ventures, and her new governance responsibilities at Lilly, she chose to step back from Alnylam’s Board to avoid potential conflicts of interest and to focus her efforts where she can have the greatest impact.
Importantly, Dr. Bertozzi will remain engaged with Alnylam as a scientific advisor, ensuring continuity of her insights as the company advances its next wave of RNAi innovation.
“Carolyn brought more than scientific brilliance—she brought a spirit of intellectual curiosity and fearless innovation,” said Dr. Greenstreet. “Her ability to bridge cutting-edge science with practical therapeutic development accelerated our thinking around RNAi’s future. We are incredibly fortunate to have benefited from her counsel and are thrilled she will continue to advise us in a scientific capacity.”
Welcoming a Commercial Architect: Stuart Arbuckle Joins the Board
In a move that signals Alnylam’s strategic pivot toward global commercial excellence, the company announced the appointment of Stuart Arbuckle to its Board of Directors, effective January 5, 2026. Mr. Arbuckle joins with a proven track record of building and scaling global biopharmaceutical franchises, most notably during his 13-year tenure at Vertex Pharmaceuticals.
At Vertex, Mr. Arbuckle rose to the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, overseeing Global Commercial Operations, Human Resources, Corporate Communications, and Portfolio & Program Management. He was instrumental in transforming Vertex from a company with a single cystic fibrosis product into a global leader with a multi-billion-dollar portfolio. Under his commercial leadership, Vertex expanded its footprint across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and beyond, navigating complex reimbursement landscapes and building world-class commercial teams.
Prior to Vertex, Mr. Arbuckle held senior roles at Amgen and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), where he gained deep experience in product launches, market access strategy, and organizational development. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, where he contributes his commercial and operational expertise to another innovative rare disease company.
“Stuart’s appointment is a deliberate step to strengthen our Board’s capabilities in global commercialization, operational efficiency, and strategic portfolio management,” said Amy Schulman, Chair of Alnylam’s Board of Directors. “As we move into a phase defined by scale, sustainability, and international expansion, his experience will be invaluable. He understands how to build enduring value while staying true to a mission-driven culture.”
Mr. Arbuckle expressed enthusiasm about joining Alnylam at this inflection point. “RNAi has already redefined what’s possible in medicine, and Alnylam stands alone in its mastery of this platform,” he said. “I am honored to contribute to a company that not only pioneers science but delivers real impact for patients with high unmet need. I look forward to collaborating with Yvonne, Amy, and the entire leadership team as Alnylam enters its next chapter of growth.”
Strategic Alignment for the Future
The Board refresh arrives at a time of robust momentum for Alnylam. The company now boasts a diversified portfolio of four approved RNAi therapeutics, with multiple late-stage candidates advancing across indications such as hypertension (zilebesiran), hypercholesterolemia, and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Its proprietary Enhanced Stabilization Chemistry–GalNAc (ESC-GalNAc) platform enables subcutaneous dosing with durable effects—often requiring just two doses per year—offering unprecedented convenience and adherence for patients.
Financially, Alnylam has achieved profitability and generated strong cash flow, allowing it to self-fund its ambitious R&D agenda while investing in global infrastructure. With commercial operations now established in over 40 countries and partnerships with major pharmaceutical players like Roche and Novo Nordisk, the company is well-positioned to become a top-tier, multi-product biotech with global reach.
The evolution of the Board reflects this maturation. While early-stage governance required deep scientific and venture-building expertise, today’s Alnylam demands leaders who can steward a complex, global enterprise—balancing innovation with execution, science with commercial discipline, and growth with governance.
“We are not just changing directors—we are intentionally aligning our governance with our strategic reality,” said Schulman. “Mike and Carolyn laid the groundwork for our scientific and strategic credibility. Stuart will help us build on that foundation with operational excellence and global ambition.”
A Grateful Farewell and Confident Future
In closing, Alnylam leadership expressed deep gratitude to both departing directors. “Mike and Carolyn exemplify the rare blend of vision, integrity, and dedication that defines exceptional board service,” said Dr. Greenstreet. “Their legacies will endure in every patient we treat and every scientist we inspire.”
As Alnylam enters 2026, it does so with a reinforced leadership team, a clear strategic roadmap, and a Board of Directors uniquely equipped to guide the company through its next phase of transformative growth. The RNAi revolution, once a distant scientific dream, is now a therapeutic reality—and Alnylam remains firmly at its helm.
About Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
Alnylam (Nasdaq: ALNY) is the world leader in RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics, a Nobel Prize-winning field of science that enables the silencing of disease-causing genes. The company has pioneered the development and commercialization of RNAi medicines, with four approved products and a deep pipeline targeting both rare and prevalent diseases. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Alnylam is committed to transforming the lives of patients through the power of genetic medicine.
Source Link: https://investors.alnylam.com/
