Background

Challenge Accepted is a guiding mantra for Alnylam, a leading, global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of RNA interference therapeutics. Over the past 20 years, they have been unwavering in their entrepreneurial mindset and in their dedication to turn Nobel Prize-winning science into an entirely new class of medicines. Founded to initially treat rare diseases, employees are deeply committed to ensuring everyone has a fair and just opportunity to live the healthiest life possible, no matter who they are or where they live.

This passion guided the development of the Alnylam Challengers social impact program and its focus on addressing health inequities and barriers to health care access for under-represented and underserved populations.

Through deep issue research, Alnylam recognized that tackling health inequities and increasing access to care requires persevering problem solvers across all sectors who are willing to take risks, find new solutions, and advocate for change.

About the Program

Alnylam Challengers rallies behind bold, entrepreneurial approaches to increase access to critical health services, medicines, and treatments in underserved communities. Through this signature program, Alnylam empowers “Challengers”—social entrepreneurs, employees, business partners and others— in their pursuit of fresh solutions to address health inequities and social determinants of health (SDoH).

The program launched with an initial $1 million donation to health equity fund at Acumen America, the U.S. division of the pioneering global NGO that invests in social impact-driven companies, leaders, and ideas, to impact the health of 75 million people in the U.S. by 2024. This relationship seeks to raise awareness of systemic health equity issues, advance the work of bold business and nonprofit models, and improve the health of underrepresented people. Acumen America’s portfolio includes companies such as:

• SameSky Health (formerly ConsejoSano) – a leading expert in developing culturally sensitive health care communications and engagement campaigns for harder to reach underserved populations.
• Clinify – a company dedicated to increase access to covered care by enhancing value-based pricing for providers.
• Upward Health – a home-based medical group specializing in increasing access to health services for underserved populations by removing barriers to care such as prescriptions, travel, and scheduling.

Alnylam Challengers, and the partnership with Acumen, represents a multi-dimensional commitment that includes the Social Investment Portfolio, employee skills-based volunteerism Advisory Corps, and a series of cross-sector convenings that engage others to think boldly and partner around important health issues. As part of the first year of the program, Alnylam collaborated with the nonprofit Life Science Cares to convene executives from across the Life Sciences industry to discuss novel social-impact driven business approaches that can disrupt health inequities in the U.S.

Alnylam Challengers was strategically designed to align with Alnylam’s Corporate Responsibility theme—Accepting Challenges to Improve the Health of Humanity— and be a leading proof point within its CR and ESG reports.

Read More

• Alnylam’s 2022 Corporate Responsibility Report