Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:VRTX) has ample potential for growth thanks to four phase-3 studies of its cystic fibrosis (CF) treatments, said Leerink senior biotechnology analyst Geoffrey Porges on Monday.
The company is running four phase 3 studies that will test Vertex’s Ivacaftor therapy in cystic fibrosis patients who are divided up by mutational status. Leerink sees the company’s second-generation CF combination regiment as a $1.1bn incremental opportunity.
"We are positive about Vx-661, and expect 3 of 4 ongoing phase III trials with Vx-661 to succeed, and show superiority to their comparator arms and to the prior precedents with Kalydeco and Orkambi in their respective indications," analyst Geoffrey Porges wrote in a note.
Vertex’s shares jumped 13% in July, according to previously-reported figures from S&P Global Market Intelligence.
Vertex’s Q2 earnings report noted total CF product sales of $426 million, an improvement of 175%, year-over-year.
Vertex shares closed up nearly 1% at $102.48 on Monday.