Appointment of Industry Renowned Leader Adds Extensive Experience to Board

Regulus Therapeutics LLC, a joint venture between Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALNY) and Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ISIS) formed to discover, develop, and commercialize microRNA-based therapeutics, announced today the appointment of Stelios Papadopoulos, Ph.D., to its Board of Directors. With a strong background in science and a career that encompasses more than two decades of experience as a leading investment banker focused on the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, Dr. Papadopoulos will complement Regulus Therapeutics’ Board of Directors, which is comprised of industry leaders in drug discovery and development.

“We are thrilled that Stelios has agreed to join the Regulus Board of Directors,” said John Maraganore, Ph.D., Chairman of Regulus and Chief Executive Officer of Alnylam. “Stelios has been an instrumental and legendary figure in the biotech industry for over two decades; a scientist by training, his influence on the growth of the biotech industry from a financing perspective has been matched by only a few. We believe that the combination of his scientific and financial expertise, coupled with his demonstrated commitment to the development of innovative medicines, will add a unique perspective to Regulus’ world-class Board and will strengthen our efforts in building the leading microRNA therapeutics company.”

“The breakthrough field of microRNA-based therapeutics represents an entirely new approach for developing high-impact innovative medicines, and Regulus has all the necessary components to establish a dominant position in the space,” said Dr. Papadopoulos. “I am looking forward to working with Regulus’ management and other Board members to build a leading company that is translating the science of microRNAs into novel therapeutics.”

“We are honored to have Stelios join our Board,” said Kleanthis G. Xanthopoulos, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Regulus Therapeutics. “Stelios comes to Regulus at a very exciting time of development. In less than a year we have been able to recruit some of the top minds in RNA research, establish collaborations with key academic institutions to further expand the biology of microRNAs, and form a strategic alliance with GSK, a leading pharmaceutical company. We look forward to Dr. Papadopoulos’ invaluable contributions as we continue to expand our therapeutic pipeline and bring lead microRNA therapeutic compounds closer to the clinic.”

Dr. Papadopoulos retired as Vice Chairman of Cowen and Company, LLC in 2006 after six years with the firm where he was an investment banker focused on the biotechnology and pharmaceuticals sectors. Prior to joining Cowen in 2000, Dr. Papadopoulos was an investment banker at PaineWebber Incorporated, most recently serving as Chairman of PaineWebber Development Corp., a PaineWebber subsidiary focusing on biotechnology. He also held positions in Equity Research covering the biotechnology industry at Drexel Burnham Lambert and Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette. He is a co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Exelixis, Inc. and director and co-founder of Anadys Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Cellzome, Inc. Dr. Papadopoulos is also a member of the Board of Directors at Biogen Idec Inc and Vice Chairman of the Board of BG Medicine, Inc.

Before joining Wall Street, he was on the faculty of the Department of Cell Biology at New York University Medical Center and maintains his affiliation today as an Adjunct Associate Professor of Cell Biology. Dr. Papadopoulos is also deeply involved in the non-profit sector.