STAT+: Vertex's upcoming sciatica trial readout is a high-stakes moment in its quest to quell pain

After turning cystic fibrosis from a death sentence into a manageable condition for many patients, Vertex Pharmaceuticals is now looking to transform the treatment of pain, and a pivotal point in this quest is fast approaching.

The Boston biotech plans to announce results by the end of the year from a mid-stage trial of an experimental treatment for patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy, or LSR, more commonly known as sciatica. Those results could be imminent; on a Nov. 4 earnings call, CEO Reshma Kewalramani noted the study has already been completed.

It’s a trial that market analysts have framed as a major moment for the company, and the stakes of success — or failure — are high. The study is also important for the millions of people who struggle with uncontrolled chronic pain each year, many of whom rely on opioids, which can become addictive when used long-term.

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