US firm to create 100 jobs setting up Maidenhead office

A US pharmaceutical firm is set to create 100 jobs by setting up a new European office in Maidenhead.

Massachusetts-based Alnylam Pharmaceuticals announced today it is opening a new development and commercial hub in the town with space for 100 employees.

The firm is taking over offices at Braywick Gate, in Braywick Road, after a deal was agreed earlier in the summer.

The company specialises in RNAi therapeutics, a process which could 'silence' harmful genes.

Akshay Vaishnaw, executive vice president of R&D and chief medical officer at Alnylam, said: "We're thrilled to be expanding our global presence in the United Kingdom and Maidenhead in particular.

"This important new office will play a critical role in advancing our cutting-edge investigational RNAi therapies toward regulatory approval and launch in European markets to benefit patients with life-threatening diseases as quickly as possible."