Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc. has formed an exclusive research agreement with the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics in Dresden, Germany, to investigate and characterize the molecular mechanisms underlying intracellular transport of small interfering RNA (siRNA), the molecules that mediate RNAi. Alnylam scientists will work closely with the laboratory of Marino Zerial, Ph.D.  Alnylam will have an option on any intellectual property that results from this agreement.  Read the press release.

Researchers at the University of Newcastle, England, and the Virginia Bioinformatics Institute at Virginia Tech in the United States have revealed a large reservoir of mitochondrial DNA mutations present in the general population. Clinical analysis of blood samples from almost 3,000 infants born in north Cumbria, England, showed that at least 1 in 200 individuals in the general public harbor mitochondrial DNA mutations that may lead to disease. The findings, which highlight the need to develop new approaches to prevent the transmission of mitochondrial diseases, were published in The American Journal of Human Genetics. Read the press release.

Cleveland Clinic researchers have identified two genes linked to breast, thyroid and kidney cancer. The discovery of the genes SDHB and SDHD could help improve early detection of these cancers and boost patients' chances of survival. In addition, the researchers said their finding could improve screening and treatment of patients with Cowden Syndrome (CS) and CS-like disease, which are difficult-to-recognize conditions that lead to a high risk of developing breast, thyroid and other cancers.  Read the press release

Odyssey Thera Inc. has received a milestone payment from Pfizer Inc.  following Pfizer's decision to progress a discovery stage drug candidate into pre-clinical development. The drug candidate was extensively studied by Odyssey Thera as part of the ongoing collaboration with Pfizer. In August 2006, Odyssey Thera announced its third alliance with Pfizer. Under the terms of the multi-year agreement, Odyssey Thera is collaborating on multiple Pfizer drug discovery projects, and has received upfront payments, research and capital expenditure funding, and previous success-based milestones. The achievement of this milestone announced today is the Company’s first such milestone to be earned for contributing to the advancement of a drug candidate. Read the press release.

Pharmaceutical services company i3 announced today that global pharmaceutical firm Eli Lilly and Company  is transferring the majority of its U.S. data management work to i3 Statprobe, a leader in clinical data services, as part of Lilly’s ongoing effort to transform its business.  This significantly expands the business relationship between the two organizations.   i3 expects to hire staff from Lilly and to add additional new positions in the Indianapolis area. i3 is scheduled to open a new 21,000 sq.ft. office in Indianapolis on August 18. Read the press release.

According to a new technical market research report, DNA Sequencing:  Emerging Technologies and Applications, from BCC Research, the global market for DNA sequencing technology was worth $794.0 million in 2007 and an estimated $862.5 million in 2008. This should increase to $1.7 billion by 2013, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.7 percent. The market is broken down into the segments of research/drug discovery and development, commercial applications and emerging applications. Research/drug discovery and development has the largest share of the market, generating $600.4 million in 2007. This is expected to increase to $640.6 million in 2008 and over $1.0 billion in 2013, for a CAGR of 9.7 percent. Read the press release.