Novartis and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals have teamed up to develop a small-interfering RNA (siRNA)-based drug to restore functional liver cells in patients suffering from end-stage liver disease.

In the three-year collaboration, Alnylam will develop and test possible siRNAs using target-specific assays provided by Novartis. After a lead candidate is identified, Novartis will handle all research and development.

End-stage liver disease is a progressive condition generally caused by cirrhosis, which is marked by the destruction of healthy liver tissue and critical liver function. The disease is responsible for over 1 million global deaths a year.

The companies did not disclose the financial terms of the agreement.