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BOSTON - Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:VRTX) shares tumbled 8.7% after the company announced its experimental pain drug VX-993 failed to meet the primary endpoint in a Phase 2 clinical trial, overshadowing otherwise solid quarterly results.
The biotech firm reported second quarter revenue of $2.96 billion, exceeding analyst estimates of $2.91 billion and representing a 12% increase YoY. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $4.52, beating the consensus forecast of $4.27. Despite these positive financial results, investors focused on the disappointing clinical trial outcome.
"Vertex delivered a strong quarter of revenue growth with each of our three product launches — ALYFTREK, JOURNAVX, and CASGEVY — contributing, as well as continued advancement of our clinical programs," said Reshma Kewalramani, CEO and President of Vertex.
The company’s Phase 2 study of VX-993, a selective NaV1.8 pain signal inhibitor for acute pain following bunionectomy surgery, failed to show statistically significant improvement compared to placebo on the primary endpoint.
U.S. revenue increased 14% to $1.85 billion, driven by strong patient demand and favorable pricing dynamics, while international revenue grew 8% to $1.12 billion.
Vertex reiterated its full-year 2025 guidance, projecting revenue between $11.85 billion and $12 billion, compared to analyst consensus of $11.94 billion. The company expects continued growth in its cystic fibrosis franchise, including the global launch of ALYFTREK, ongoing uptake of CASGEVY, and early contributions from JOURNAVX.
The company also announced that Chief Scientific Officer David Altshuler will retire in August 2026, with Mark Bunnage, current SVP of Global Research, set to assume the CSO role in February 2026.
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