At first, it was not clear that RNA interference would work in humans.
Scientists are also looking to use RNA interference to treat diseases.
Scientists say RNA interference may work better because it takes advantage of a natural process.
He said the first drugs based on RNA interference could enter clinical trials in two or three years.
The two companies will also work together to improve the basic technology of RNA interference.
With another method, called RNA interference, investigators can turn off any gene and see what happens to a cell.
It may be possible to exploit RNA interference in therapy.
RNA interference is not the only new way to control the activity of genes.
RNA interference is also an effective defence in plants.
RNA interference is a major step in genetics.