Vertex has provided an update on the late-stage clinical development of its next-in-class triple combination treatment for cystic fibrosis, vanzacaftor/tezacaftor/deutivacaftor, amidst increasing demands for generic versions of their current drug Trikafta. This update is promising news for those with cystic fibrosis, as the company is working hard to ensure they have the best possible treatments available.
Tuesday saw the release of the company’s full-year 2022 financial results, providing an exciting update on the company’s progress. The figures revealed a promising outlook for the coming year, giving investors and stakeholders alike much to look forward to.
Patients living with CF, their families, and other compassionate supporters have initiated a global campaign to fight against what they deem as the company’s monopolization of treatments. This campaign has been launched in tandem with the company’s financial report, highlighting the urgency of the matter.
Patient-led organizations Vertex Save Us and Just Treatment are leading an inspiring movement to help those affected by rare diseases. Their mission is to provide support and resources to those in need, while advocating for improved access to treatment and care. Together, they are striving to create a brighter future for those living with rare diseases.
On Monday, a legal petition was filed to the High Court of South Africa, pushing for a compulsory license that would permit generic competition to Vertex’s Trikafta. The same day, similar petitions were filed to the governments of Ukraine, India and Brazil, all in an effort to ensure access to affordable medicines.
Trikafta (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor), approved in 2019, is a game changer for Cystic Fibrosis patients. Vertex estimates that the drug can help up to a staggering 90% of people living with the condition, by increasing the amount and effectiveness of the F508del-CFTR protein on the cell surface. This is a major breakthrough in the fight against the debilitating illness.
Vanzacaftor, tezacaftor, and deutivacaftor – the next-generation triple threat – are designed to revolutionize the treatment of cystic fibrosis. With the potential to be taken just once a day, this groundbreaking combination of medicines targets the underlying causes of the condition and may offer a more effective and convenient way to manage the disease.
The CFTR gene mutation in cystic fibrosis (CF) prevents the protein it produces from being fully processed and presented on the surface of the cell, leading to a range of life-threatening respiratory and digestive complications.
Vanzacaftor and tezacaftor work together to improve the processing and trafficking of the CFTR protein, resulting in increased amounts of the protein on the cell. Deutivacaftor acts as a potentiator, allowing the CFTR to remain active for an extended period of time, resulting in improved mucus clearance and reduced CF symptoms. This powerful trio of medications offers an effective treatment option for those living with cystic fibrosis.
Vertex has set the bar even higher with its vanzacaftor program, which is expected to provide even greater benefits to CF patients than Trikafta. In an investor call on Tuesday, Reshma Kewalramani, M.D., CEO and president of Vertex, said that the company is confident this program will bring improved outcomes for patients.
The vanzacaftor triple boasts the added convenience of once-daily oral dosing and a substantially lower royalty cost compared to Trikafta. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking an effective treatment without the burden of excessive financial costs.
Vertex is pushing the boundaries of medical advancement by testing its next-in-class drug in two pivotal trials, SKYLINE 102 and SKYLINE 103. These trials have already completed enrollment, and are comparing the safety and efficacy of vanzacaftor/tezacaftor/deutivacaftor to Trikafta in CF patients aged 12 or older. Additionally, the promising RIDGELINE trial is assessing the triple combination candidate in children aged 6 to 11. With these trials, Vertex is striving to revolutionize medical care and bring new hope to CF patients and their families.
The company is eagerly anticipating the completion of their SKYLINE studies by the end of the year. They hope to gain valuable insights from the studies that will help them improve their services and products.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Moderna have joined forces to develop VX-522, a revolutionary mRNA-based CF candidate. This treatment is designed to target those who have a complete lack of the CFTR gene, introducing a functional copy of the gene into the patient’s lung cells. VX-522 represents a major breakthrough in the fight against cystic fibrosis and has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for those affected by the condition.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals recently took a major step towards bringing its investigational therapy VX-522 to market, securing approval from the FDA for an Investigational New Drug application. The company is now conducting a single ascending dose study, which it is aiming to complete by 2023, in order to make the much-needed therapy available to patients.