Gain detailed insights into the trading activity of Congress members for Vertex Pharmaceuticals on our government trades page. Stay updated on how elected officials are investing in VRTX.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals - Government Trades

Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is a global biotechnology company that discovers and develops small-molecule drugs for the treatment of serious diseases. Its key drugs are Kalydeco, Orkambi, Symdeko, and Trikafta/Kaftrio for cystic fibrosis, where Vertex therapies remain the standard of care globally. Vertex has diversified its portfolio through Casgevy, a gene-editing therapy for beta thalassemia and sickle-cell disease. Additionally, Vertex is evaluating small-molecule inhibitors targeting acute and chronic pain using nonopioid treatments, and small-molecule inhibitors of APOL1-mediated kidney diseases. Vertex is also investigating cell therapies to deliver a potential functional cure for type 1 diabetes.

Doctor,Hand,Hold,And,Offer,To,Patient,Medical,Marijuana,And

Cannabis

News

Health Care

VRTX

FDA approves non-opioid pain reliever, suzetrigine, by Vertex Pharmaceuticals to mitigate risks of opioids and provide patients with more options.

FDA Approves First Non-Opioid Pain Pill, As Medical Marijuana Remains A Proven Alternative For Relief

Genetic,Research,And,Biotech,Science,Concept.,Human,Biology,And,Pharmaceutical

Movers

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: VRTX) shares are trading higher Friday following two major developments that strengthen its position in both pain management and gene therapy. 

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Shares Are Up Today: What&#39;s Going On?

Charter_R_Logo_RGB

Intraday Update

Markets

Trading Ideas

ABBV

ASTS

CHTR

CIFR

CRDO

DGNX

JBLU

MBLY

SKYW

TEAM

VIAV

Charter Communications Posts Upbeat Earnings, Joins Atlassian, SkyWest, Eastman Chemical, AbbVie And Other Big Stocks Moving Higher On Friday

Analysts

Downgrades

Pre-Market Outlook

Analyst Ratings

CRGX

This Everest Group Analyst Is No Longer Bullish; Here Are Top 5 Downgrades For Thursday

CRSP

MXCT



MaxCyte Inc. (NASDAQ:MXCT) is a global developer of next-generation cell therapies. They provide crucial technology for cell and gene therapies. Their core ExPERT ATx, sTX, GTx, and VLx tools use their proprietary

MaxCyte: Building the Future of Cell and Gene Therapy Innovation

Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX)

Biotech

Government

Large Cap

Legal

General

HHS challenges Vertex Pharmaceuticals&#39; fertility services program, alleging violations of anti-kickback laws linked to its gene-editing therapy for sickle cell disease.

HHS Challenges Vertex Over Fertility Services Program Tied To Casgevy Gene Therapy, Says Company Is &#39;Grasping at Straws&#39;

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated - Common Stock

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/01/43395856/vertex-pharmaceuticals-shares-are-up-today-whats-going-on">approved</a> the first new pain reliever to hit the market in over 20 years. This medication, produced by Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRTX#NASDAQ">VRTX</a>), is a non-opioid and therefore non-addictive. The new drug, suzetrigine, will be sold under the brand name Journavx.
Unlike opioids, Journavx blocks pain signals in the peripheral nervous system, not in the brain, so it does not create the same pleasurable effects usually felt with opioids and which often leads to dependence or addiction.
"A new non-opioid analgesic therapeutic class for acute pain offers an opportunity to mitigate certain risks associated with using an opioid for pain and provides patients with another treatment option," Dr. Jacqueline Corrigan-Curay, acting director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, <a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-novel-non-opioid-treatment-moderate-severe-acute-pain">said</a> in a press release. "This action and the agency's designations to expedite the drug's development and review underscore FDA's commitment to approving safe and effective alternatives to opioids for pain management."
Now Read: <a href="http://Purdue Pharma, Sackler Family To Pay $7.4 Billion In Settlement Over OxyContin That Fueled 'Devastating' Opioid Epidemic">Purdue Pharma, Sackler Family To Pay $7.4 Billion In Settlement Over OxyContin That Fueled &#8216;Devastating&#8217; Opioid Epidemic</a>
Government surveys show analgesics, or medications that control pain, are the most commonly prescribed type of drug in hospitals. And, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db491.htm">according</a> to the Centers for Disease Control drug overdoses related to opioids, including Fentanyl are among the leading causes of accidental death in the U.S.  
Approximately 125 million opioid prescriptions were dispensed&nbsp;to American patients in 2023 to treat moderate to severe pain, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/about/prescription-opioids.html#:~:text=Approximately%20125%20million%20opioid%20prescriptions,dose%20in%20the%20smallest%20quantity.">according</a> to the CDC. 
Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/medical-cannabis">medical marijuana</a> has been doing its part to help treat pain safely and effectively.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Large Study Provides New Insights: It&#8217;s About The Side-Effects</h1>
One of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/01/36578723/huge-study-reveals-cannabis-provides-similar-pain-relief-benefits-as-opioids-without-negative-co">largest studies to date</a>, which viewed 90 randomized controlled trials involving 22,028 participants, weighed the pain-alleviating potential of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/cannabis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">medical marijuana</a>&nbsp;versus opioids. The study was undertaken by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research&nbsp;and&nbsp;Health Canada. 
The <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10773353/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> showed opioids and medical marijuana both offer moderate improvements in pain intensity for the treatment of non-cancer pain, which impacts 20% of people around the world and is generally treated with opioids.
The difference is in the side effects. Participants using medical marijuana were found to be far less likely to abandon treatment due to adverse effects as compared to those using opioids. That, in addition to the fact cannabis does not cause respiratory depression which can result from opioid consumption. Marijuana is also not considered to be physically addictive although <a href="https://drugabuse.com/blog/marijuana-addiction/">research contends</a> that regular as well as heavy consumers can develop a psychological dependence on marijuana depending on the individual.
Whereas with opioids, "Anyone taking prescription opioids is at risk for unintentional overdose or death and can become addicted regardless of race, gender, income level, or social class," <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/about/prescription-opioids.html#:~:text=Approximately%20125%20million%20opioid%20prescriptions,dose%20in%20the%20smallest%20quantity.">noted</a> the CDC.
Now Read: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/01/43403416/is-big-pharma-about-to-win-goldman-sachs-weighs-in-on-340b-and-medicaid-shifts">Is Big Pharma About To Win? Goldman Sachs Weighs In On 340B And Medicaid Shifts</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRTX#NASDAQ">VRTX</a>) shares are trading higher Friday following two major developments that strengthen its position in both <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/01/b43376514/vertex-announces-casgevy-reimbursement-agreement-for-the-treatment-of-sickle-cell-disease-in-engla">pain management and gene therapy</a>.
What To Know: The company secured FDA approval for JOURNAVX, a non-opioid oral pain signal inhibitor for acute pain. This marks the first approval of a new class of pain medication in more than 20 years, offering an alternative to traditional opioid treatments. The approval may signal regulatory confidence in the drug's efficacy and safety, which could drive adoption in a market where non-opioid options remain limited.
Separately, Vertex also announced a reimbursement agreement with NHS England for CASGEVY, its CRISPR/Cas9 gene-edited therapy for sickle cell disease. The deal ensures that eligible patients in England will have access to the treatment, expanding on a previous agreement for transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia patients. The agreement reflects growing support for gene therapy within national healthcare systems and could set a precedent for future reimbursement deals in other regions.
&#8220;We are pleased to have reached this new agreement that ensures both eligible SCD and TDT patients can now be treated with CASGEVY, recognizing the value a one-time treatment can provide to patients, their families and the healthcare system,&#8221; said Ludovic Fenaux, Senior Vice President, Vertex International.
VRTX Price Action: Vertex shares were up 4.96% at $460.15 at the time of writing, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?new_user=False&amp;backend=google-oauth2">Benzinga pro.</a>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent013125&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="531" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/31101525/Screenshot-2025-01-31-at-10.14.51-1024x531.png" alt="" class="wp-image-760402" style="width:486px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/31101525/Screenshot-2025-01-31-at-10.14.51-1024x531.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/31101525/Screenshot-2025-01-31-at-10.14.51-300x156.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/31101525/Screenshot-2025-01-31-at-10.14.51-768x398.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/31101525/Screenshot-2025-01-31-at-10.14.51-1536x796.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/31101525/Screenshot-2025-01-31-at-10.14.51.png 1541w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/esg/25/01/43393077/esg-investing-greenwashing-trend-or-profitable-strategy">ESG Investing: Greenwashing Trend or Profitable Strategy?</a></li>
</ul>
Image Via Shutterstock.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Shares Are Up Today: What's Going On?

Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Olivia Brayer reiterates Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRTX#NASDAQ">VRTX</a>) with a Overweight and maintains $480 price target.

Price Target

Reiteration

Cantor Fitzgerald Reiterates Overweight on Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Maintains $480 Price Target

U.S. stocks were higher, with the Nasdaq Composite gaining more than 1% on Friday.
Shares of Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CHTR#NASDAQ">CHTR</a>) rose during Friday's session after the company reported <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/25/01/43390140/charter-q4-earnings-beats-estimates-mobile-growth-surges-with-529k-new-lines-despite-broadband-subscriber-losses">better-than-expected fourth-quarter financial results.</a>
Charter Communications reported fiscal fourth-quarter 2024 revenue growth of 1.6% year-on-year to $13.93 billion, beating the analyst consensus estimate of $13.88 billion. EPS of $10.10 beat the analyst consensus estimate of $9.22.
Charter Communications shares jumped 5.4% to $354.63 on Friday.
Here are some other big stocks recording gains in today's session.
<ul>
<li>Viavi Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VIAV#NASDAQ">VIAV</a>) shares jumped 26% to $12.58 after the company reported better-than-expected second-quarter financial results.</li>
<li>Diginex Limited (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DGNX#NASDAQ">DGNX</a>) gained 22% to $42.60.</li>
<li>Cipher Mining Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CIFR#NASDAQ">CIFR</a>) shares rose 21.8% to $5.73 after the company announced a $50 million investment from Softbank.</li>
<li>Atlassian Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TEAM#NASDAQ">TEAM</a>) gained 17.7% to $314.07 as the company reported better-than-expected financial results for the fiscal second quarter after the market close on Thursday.</li>
<li>SkyWest, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SKYW#NASDAQ">SKYW</a>) gained 15.3% to $134.63 following strong quarterly earnings.</li>
<li>Celestica Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CLS#NYSE">CLS</a>) rose 15.3% to $131.62. The company recently posted better-than-expected fourth-quarter financial results.</li>
<li>AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASTS#NASDAQ">ASTS</a>) rose 14.6% to $20.87 after the company announced the FCC granted the company Special Temporary Authority, authorizing testing service in the U.S.</li>
<li>Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRDO#NASDAQ">CRDO</a>) surged 13% to $72.93.</li>
<li>RBC Bearings Incorporated (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RBC#NYSE">RBC</a>) rose 12.1% to $360.84 following upbeat earnings.</li>
<li>Redwire Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RDW#NYSE">RDW</a>) gained 10.1% to $25.06.</li>
<li>JetBlue Airways Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JBLU#NASDAQ">JBLU</a>) rose 9% to $6.89.</li>
<li>Mobileye Global Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MBLY#NASDAQ">MBLY</a>) gained 8.5% to $17.69.</li>
<li>Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EMN#NYSE">EMN</a>) surged 7.7% to $99.84 after the company reported better-than-expected quarterly adjusted EPS results.</li>
<li>AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>) gained 7.4% to $188.60. The company reported fourth-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $2.16, beating the street view of $2.11.</li>
<li>Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRTX#NASDAQ">VRTX</a>) rose 5.8% to $463.83 after the company announced it secured FDA approval for JOURNAVX. Also, the company announced a reimbursement agreement with NHS England for eligible sickle cell disease patients to access CASGEVY.</li>
<li>Baker Hughes Company (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BKR#NASDAQ">BKR</a>) gained 4.6% to $46.68 following upbeat earnings.</li>
</ul>
Now Read This: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43335398/wall-streets-most-accurate-analysts-spotlight-on-3-risk-off-stocks-delivering-high-dividend-yields">Wall Street&#8217;s Most Accurate Analysts Spotlight On 3 Risk Off Stocks Delivering High-Dividend Yields</a></li>
</ul>

Scotiabank analyst Greg Harrison maintains Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRTX#NASDAQ">VRTX</a>) with a Sector Perform and raises the price target from $430 to $433.

Scotiabank Maintains Sector Perform on Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Raises Price Target to $433

HC Wainwright &amp; Co. analyst Andrew Fein maintains Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRTX#NASDAQ">VRTX</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $535 to $550.

HC Wainwright & Co. Maintains Buy on Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Raises Price Target to $550

WIIM

Vertex Pharmaceuticals shares are trading higher after the company announced it secured FDA approval for JOURNAVX. Also, the company announced a reimbursement agreement with NHS England for eligible sickle cell disease patients to access CASGEVY.

Needham analyst Joseph Stringer reiterates Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRTX#NASDAQ">VRTX</a>) from Hold to Hold.

Needham Reiterates Hold on Vertex Pharmaceuticalsto Hold

<ul>
<li>-- JOURNAVX is the first and only approved non-opioid oral pain signal inhibitor and the first new class of pain medicine approved in more than 20 years --</li>
<li>-- JOURNAVX is an effective and well-tolerated medicine without evidence of addictive potential indicated for use across all types of moderate-to-severe acute pain</li>
</ul>

Reported Earlier, Vertex Secures FDA Approval For JOURNAVX (Suzetrigine), Pioneering The First Non-Opioid Pain Signal Inhibitor For Acute Pain

- Agreement means eligible sickle cell disease (SCD) patients in England now have access to CASGEVY -
- Agreement for CASGEVY in transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia (TDT) was previously reached in August 2024 -

Vertex Secures Reimbursement Agreement For CASGEVY In England, Expanding Access To Sickle Cell Disease Patients

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades, downgrades and initiations, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">analyst ratings page</a>.
<ul>
<li>Goldman Sachs analyst Kate McShane downgraded the rating for Floor &amp; Decor Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FND#NYSE">FND</a>) from Neutral to Sell and maintained the price target of $79. Floor &amp; Decor shares closed at $102.13 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/FND/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>William Blair analyst Sami Corwin downgraded CARGO Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRGX#NASDAQ">CRGX</a>) from Outperform to Market Perform. Cargo Therapeutics shares closed at $13.19 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CRGX/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Wells Fargo analyst Mohit Bansal downgraded the rating for Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRTX#NASDAQ">VRTX</a>) from Overweight to Equal-Weight and maintained the price target of $460. Vertex Pharmaceuticals shares closed at $441.52 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/VRTX/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>HSBC analyst Vikram Gandhi downgraded KKR &amp; Co. Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KKR#NYSE">KKR</a>) from Buy to Hold but raised the price target from $153 to $173. KKR shares closed at $166.30 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/KKR/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>BMO Capital analyst Michael Zaremski downgraded the rating for Everest Group, Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EG#NYSE">EG</a>) from Outperform to Market Perform and lowered the price target from $453 to $375. Everest Group shares closed at $351.51 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/EG/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
</ul>
Considering buying EG stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="458" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/30064140/image-256-1024x458.png" alt="" class="wp-image-757819" style="width:631px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/30064140/image-256-1024x458.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/30064140/image-256-300x134.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/30064140/image-256-768x343.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/30064140/image-256.png 1387w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Read This Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43300989/jim-cramer-this-industrial-stock-is-absolutely-terrific-first-solar-is-very-inexpensive">Jim Cramer: This Industrial Stock Is &#8216;Absolutely Terrific&#8217;, First Solar Is &#8216;Very Inexpensive&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>

Analysts' ratings for Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRTX#NASDAQ">VRTX</a>) over the last quarter vary from bullish to bearish, as provided by 21 analysts.
Summarizing their recent assessments, the table below illustrates the evolving sentiments in the past 30 days and compares them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">7</td>
<td align="right">7</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Analysts have set 12-month price targets for Vertex Pharmaceuticals, revealing an average target of $491.76, a high estimate of $586.00, and a low estimate of $408.00. A decline of 1.86% from the prior average price target is evident in the current average. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738238444_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Interpreting Analyst Ratings: A Closer Look</h2>
The perception of Vertex Pharmaceuticals by financial experts is analyzed through recent analyst actions. The following summary presents key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Mohit Bansal</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$460.00</td>
<td>$460.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Christopher Raymond</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$533.00</td>
<td>$535.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Olivia Brayer</td>
<td>Cantor Fitzgerald</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$480.00</td>
<td>$480.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mohit Bansal</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$460.00</td>
<td>$555.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joon Lee</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$460.00</td>
<td>$550.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Greg Harrison</td>
<td>Scotiabank</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Sector Perform</td>
<td>$430.00</td>
<td>$426.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jessica Fye</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$500.00</td>
<td>$503.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gena Wang</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$418.00</td>
<td>$509.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Evan Seigerman</td>
<td>BMO Capital</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$520.00</td>
<td>$566.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Fein</td>
<td>HC Wainwright &amp; Co.</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$535.00</td>
<td>$600.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ying Huang</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$522.00</td>
<td>$545.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Paul Matteis</td>
<td>Stifel</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$494.00</td>
<td>$490.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Yee</td>
<td>Jefferies</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$550.00</td>
<td>$500.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Geoff Meacham</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$575.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Whitney Ijem</td>
<td>Canaccord Genuity</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Sell</td>
<td>$408.00</td>
<td>$361.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Greg Harrison</td>
<td>Scotiabank</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Sector Perform</td>
<td>$486.00</td>
<td>$480.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Colin Bristow</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$586.00</td>
<td>$562.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Olivia Brayer</td>
<td>Cantor Fitzgerald</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$480.00</td>
<td>$480.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brian Abrahams</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Sector Perform</td>
<td>$451.00</td>
<td>$437.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jessica Fye</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$503.00</td>
<td>$510.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matthew Harrison</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$476.00</td>
<td>$473.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts adapt their recommendations to changing market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their response to recent developments related to Vertex Pharmaceuticals. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Unveiling insights, analysts deliver qualitative insights into stock performance, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of Vertex Pharmaceuticals compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Understanding forecasts, analysts offer estimates for Vertex Pharmaceuticals's future value. Examining the current and prior targets provides insight into analysts' changing expectations.</li>
</ul>
For valuable insights into Vertex Pharmaceuticals's market performance, consider these analyst evaluations alongside crucial financial indicators. Stay well-informed and make prudent decisions using our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/VRTX/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Vertex Pharmaceuticals analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>All You Need to Know About Vertex Pharmaceuticals</h2>
Vertex Pharmaceuticals is a global biotechnology company that discovers and develops small-molecule drugs for the treatment of serious diseases. Its key drugs are Kalydeco, Orkambi, Symdeko, and Trikafta/Kaftrio for cystic fibrosis, where Vertex therapies remain the standard of care globally. Vertex has diversified its portfolio through Casgevy, a gene-editing therapy for beta thalassemia and sickle-cell disease. Additionally, Vertex is evaluating small-molecule inhibitors targeting acute and chronic pain using nonopioid treatments, and small-molecule inhibitors of APOL1-mediated kidney diseases. Vertex is also investigating cell therapies to deliver a potential functional cure for type 1 diabetes.
<h3>Understanding the Numbers: Vertex Pharmaceuticals's Finances</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: Above industry benchmarks, the company's market capitalization emphasizes a noteworthy size, indicative of a strong market presence.
Positive Revenue Trend: Examining Vertex Pharmaceuticals's financials over 3 months reveals a positive narrative. The company achieved a noteworthy revenue growth rate of 11.61% as of 30 September, 2024, showcasing a substantial increase in top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company trails behind with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Health Care sector.
Net Margin: Vertex Pharmaceuticals's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional net margin, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable net margin of 37.71%, the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): Vertex Pharmaceuticals's ROE excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 6.88%. This signifies robust financial management and efficient use of shareholder equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): Vertex Pharmaceuticals's ROA excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 4.93%. This signifies efficient management of assets and strong financial health.
Debt Management: With a below-average debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11, Vertex Pharmaceuticals adopts a prudent financial strategy, indicating a balanced approach to debt management.
<h2>Analyst Ratings: What Are They?</h2>
Analysts are specialists within banking and financial systems that typically report for specific stocks or within defined sectors. These people research company financial statements, sit in conference calls and meetings, and speak with relevant insiders to determine what are known as analyst ratings for stocks. Typically, analysts will rate each stock once a quarter. 
Analysts may enhance their evaluations by incorporating forecasts for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, delivering additional guidance to investors. It is vital to acknowledge that, although experts in stocks and sectors, analysts are human and express their opinions when providing insights.
Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?
Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=be8be9arja3be22bz21&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here to stay ahead of the market</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Stock: A Deep Dive Into Analyst Perspectives (21 Ratings)

Wells Fargo analyst Mohit Bansal downgrades Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRTX#NASDAQ">VRTX</a>) from Overweight to Equal-Weight and maintains the price target from $460 to $460.

Wells Fargo Downgrades Vertex Pharmaceuticals to Equal-Weight, Maintains Price Target to $460

Piper Sandler analyst Christopher Raymond maintains Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRTX#NASDAQ">VRTX</a>) with a Overweight and lowers the price target from $535 to $533.

Piper Sandler Maintains Overweight on Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Lowers Price Target to $533

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders often look for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges away from its normal worth. Abnormal amounts of trading activity could push option prices to hyperbolic or underperforming levels. 
Here's the list of options activity happening in today's session: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>SLS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$1.00</td>
<td>$25.0K</td>
<td>2.7K</td>
<td>5.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>JNJ</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$145.00</td>
<td>$56.9K</td>
<td>4.9K</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SMMT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$265.4K</td>
<td>4.0K</td>
<td>348</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MDGL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$320.00</td>
<td>$41.4K</td>
<td>516</td>
<td>213</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>HIMS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
<td>$63.0K</td>
<td>2.9K</td>
<td>153</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VRTX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$430.00</td>
<td>$52.3K</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>91</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TGTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$7.00</td>
<td>$37.9K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td>40</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GILD</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$29.0K</td>
<td>33</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• For SLS (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SLS#NASDAQ">SLS</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 725 day(s) on January 15, 2027. This event was a transfer of 500 contract(s) at a $1.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 8 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.0K, with a price of $50.0 per contract. There were 2779 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 5080 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding JNJ (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>), we observe a put option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 32 day(s) on February 21, 2025. Parties traded 227 contract(s) at a $145.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $56.9K, with a price of $251.0 per contract. There were 4980 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1483 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For SMMT (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMMT#NASDAQ">SMMT</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be neutral, expiring in 361 day(s) on January 16, 2026. This event was a transfer of 84 contract(s) at a $50.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 52 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $265.4K, with a price of $3160.0 per contract. There were 4074 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 348 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MDGL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MDGL#NASDAQ">MDGL</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 32 day(s) on February 21, 2025. Parties traded 30 contract(s) at a $320.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $41.4K, with a price of $1360.0 per contract. There were 516 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 213 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding HIMS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HIMS#NYSE">HIMS</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 361 day(s) on January 16, 2026. Parties traded 60 contract(s) at a $25.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $63.0K, with a price of $1050.0 per contract. There were 2977 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 153 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding VRTX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRTX#NASDAQ">VRTX</a>), we observe a put option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 32 day(s) on February 21, 2025. Parties traded 34 contract(s) at a $430.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $52.3K, with a price of $1540.0 per contract. There were 11 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 91 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding TGTX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGTX#NASDAQ">TGTX</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 3 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 17 contract(s) at a $7.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 6 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $37.9K, with a price of $2230.0 per contract. There were 1306 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 40 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding GILD (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GILD#NASDAQ">GILD</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 3 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 9 contract(s) at a $60.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $29.0K, with a price of $3230.0 per contract. There were 33 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 10 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Options

GILD

Hims & Hers Health, Inc. Class A Common Stock

HIMS

MDGL

SMMT

TGTX

8 Health Care Stocks Whale Activity In Today's Session

In a court filing on Monday, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) challenged Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRTX#NASDAQ">VRTX</a>), defending its stance that the company&#8217;s proposed fertility services program would breach anti-kickback laws. The program is tied to Vertex&#8217;s gene-editing therapy Casgevy for sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia.
Vertex&nbsp;<a href="https://assets.bwbx.io/documents/users/iqjWHBFdfxIU/rnMCje2Jspgw/v0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sued</a>&nbsp;the HHS in July 2024.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42324351/fda-approved-sickle-cell-therapies-from-bluebird-bio-and-vertex-join-medicaid-innovation-program" rel="noreferrer noopener">FDA-Approved Sickle Cell Therapies From Bluebird Bio And Vertex Join Medicaid Innovation Program</a>
The gene-editing treatment requires high-dose chemotherapy to clear stem cells from the bone marrow, often causing severe side effects, including infertility. To support patients, Vertex provides financial assistance for fertility preservation options like freezing eggs, embryos or reproductive tissues.
Last year, the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) confirmed its decision that it could not issue a favorable advisory opinion. According to OIG, the program implicates the anti-kickback statute, poses more than a low risk of fraud and abuse, and does not promote access to gene therapy care.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42987342/vertex-pharmaceuticals-sets-sights-on-expanding-portfolio-with-alyftrek-approval-pain-treatment-progress-and-diabetes-trials" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vertex Pharmaceuticals Sets Sight on Expanding Portfolio with Alyftrek Approval, Pain Treatment Progress, and Diabetes Trials</a>
The biotech challenged this allegation, "the Fertility Preservation Program would not improperly skew medical decision-making or provide an improper inducement to prescribe," nor would it persuade patients to "undergo treatment with Casgevy in exchange for the Fertility Preservation Program."
Endpoints <a target="_blank" href="https://endpts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/show_temp.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener">published</a> a copy of the lawsuit online Wednesday.
HHS laid out several arguments, claiming Vertex's attempts to &#8220;twist the statute's meaning&#8221; and that the biotech is "grasping at straws&#8230;"
"The point is that Vertex's offer of fertility treatment in exchange for purchasing its product, and only its product, is meant to induce patients to choose that product when they otherwise might not. That is a quintessential quid pro quo," the HHS said.
"Vertex is not offering $70,000 to any sickle cell patient who undergoes myeloablative conditioning to prepare for treatment, regardless whether that patient elects to purchase Vertex's product, or its competitor's similar gene-therapy product, or a bone- and blood-marrow transplant," the HHS wrote. "Vertex is only offering payments on behalf of patients who select its own product."
&#8220;Vertex then posits that its $70,000 offer will not interfere with or skew clinical decisionmaking because fertility services "benefit a patient's quality of life," HHS noted.
&#8220;This is nonsensical. Many offers of remuneration would enhance patient quality of life, but that doesn't render them lawful," the HHS added.
VRTX Price Action: Vertex stock is down 1.41% at $418.29 at publication Thursday.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/01/43036259/canadian-national-railways-valuation-is-an-opportunity-analyst-shifts-to-bullish-outlook" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canadian National Railway&#8217;s Valuation Is An Opportunity, Analyst Shifts To Bullish Outlook</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Courtesy Vertex Pharmaceuticals

HHS Challenges Vertex Over Fertility Services Program Tied To Casgevy Gene Therapy, Says Company Is 'Grasping at Straws'

Vertex Pharmaceuticals's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRTX#NYSE">VRTX</a>) short percent of float has risen 12.41% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 3.96 million shares sold short, which is 1.54% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 1.6 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Vertex Pharmaceuticals Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1736956825_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Vertex Pharmaceuticals has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Vertex Pharmaceuticals's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Vertex Pharmaceuticals's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 5.33%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Short Ideas

How Is The Market Feeling About Vertex Pharmaceuticals?

Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRTX#NASDAQ">VRTX</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 10 years by 1.52% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 12.68%. Currently, Vertex Pharmaceuticals has a market capitalization of $106.01 billion. 
Buying $100 In VRTX: If an investor had bought $100 of VRTX stock 10 years ago, it would be worth $330.01 today based on a price of $411.66 for VRTX at the time of writing.
<h3>Vertex Pharmaceuticals's Performance Over Last 10 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1736889310_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Here's How Much $100 Invested In Vertex Pharmaceuticals 10 Years Ago Would Be Worth Today

On Sunday, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRTX#NASDAQ">VRTX</a>) announced multiple program updates, including:
<ul>
<li>In December, the FDA approved Vertex's Alyftrek (vanzacaftor / tezacaftor / deutivacaftor), a once-daily triple combination cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator for cystic fibrosis (CF) in people 6 years and older who have at least one F508del mutation or another mutation in the CFTR gene that is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/12/b42628470/vertex-announces-us-fda-approval-of-alyftrek-a-once-daily-next-in-class-cftr-modulator-for-the-tre" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">responsive to ALYFTREK</a>. Vertex raised its CF patient estimates across major markets to 94,000, while reimbursement arrangements are expected to broaden treatment access for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/01/b42935907/vertex-provides-pipeline-and-business-updates-in-advance-of-upcoming-investor-meetings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10,000 eligible individuals</a>.</li>
</ul>
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42652152/vertex-pharmaceuticals-alyftrek-is-an-accretive-opportunity-on-top-and-bottom-lines-say-bullish-analyst" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vertex Pharmaceuticals: Alyftrek Is An ‘Accretive Opportunity' On Top- And Bottom-Lines, Says Bullish Analyst</a>
<ul>
<li>In December, Vertex's CASGEVY gained regulatory approval in the UAE for sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia.</li>
<li>Suzetrigine for moderate-to-severe acute pain awaits an FDA decision by January 30, 2025, under Priority Review. This non-opioid candidate aligns with the newly effective NOPAIN Act, potentially improving pain management alternatives <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42599745/why-is-vertex-pharmaceuticals-stock-trading-on-thursday-lower-after-back-pain-trial-data" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">and ensuring Medicare support</a>.</li>
<li>In type 1 diabetes, zimislecel entered Phase 3 trials targeting 125,000 patients. Complementary therapies, including encapsulated islet cells in VX-264, are advancing, with pivotal data expected in 2025.</li>
</ul>
RBC Capital Markets says Vertex management is optimistic about the recently approved Alyftrek. They predict that most of the 6,000 patients who stopped using other CFTR modulators and many currently on existing treatments will switch to this next-gen therapy.
RBC analyst Brian Abrahams writes that in acute pain, Suzetrigine pricing may be higher than anticipated, as the company emphasized that it doesn't want to risk the long-term value of its pain portfolio or the success in chronic pain just for quick approval of its first drug. The analyst also noted that formulary placement and payer discussions will affect the initial launch.
RBC Capital maintains a Neutral rating on Vertex.
Goldman Sachs analyst Salveen Richter writes suzetrigine could become the first non-opioid treatment for acute pain approved in over 20 years.
It can generate billions in revenue from both acute and possibly chronic pain. If approved, it would give Vertex Pharmaceuticals a significant new revenue source beyond cystic fibrosis, especially as income from Casgevy remains low in the near term, helping to diversify <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/12/42396975/vertex-has-5-billion-plus-opportunity-in-pain-and-kidney-disease-programs-analyst-upgrades-stock" rel="noreferrer noopener">its commercial portfolio</a>.
Price Action: VRTX stock is down 0.46% at $411.47 at the last check on Tuesday.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/25/01/42982029/emcor-expands-southeast-footprint-with-865-million-miller-electric-deal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EMCOR Expands Southeast Footprint With $865 Million Miller Electric Deal</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Analyst Color

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Sets Sight on Expanding Portfolio with Alyftrek Approval, Pain Treatment Progress, and Diabetes Trials

Press Releases

Vertex Announces US FDA Approval of ALYFTREK™, a Once-Daily Next-in-Class CFTR Modulator for the Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis

Vertex to Present at the 43rd Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on January 13

Orna Therapeutics Establishes Strategic Collaboration with Vertex Pharmaceuticals to Develop Next Generation Approaches for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and Transfusion-Dependent Beta Thalassemia (TDT)

Zai Lab and Vertex Announce Strategic Agreement to Develop and Commercialize Povetacicept in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, Taiwan region and Singapore

Vertex and Zai Lab Announce Strategic Agreement to Develop and Commercialize Povetacicept in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, Taiwan Region and Singapore


Tommy TubervilleSenate (R-AL)	$1K - $15K	stock	Sale	Jun 14, 2024	May 03, 2024	Senate
Greg StantonHouse (D-AZ)	$1K - $15K	stock	Sale	Nov 09, 2023	Oct 24, 2023	House
Greg StantonHouse (D-AZ)	$1K - $15K	stock	Purchase	Nov 09, 2023	Sep 26, 2023	House
Tommy TubervilleSenate (R-AL)	$1K - $15K	stock	Purchase	Nov 10, 2022	Oct 06, 2022	Senate
William KeatingHouse (D-MA)	$1K - $15K	stock	Purchase	May 05, 2022	Mar 29, 2022	House

Government Trades

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc

top performing VRTX trades

Popular Channels

Tools & Features

Partners & Contributors

About Benzinga