Moderna, Vertex aiming for CFTR solution

Moderna Therapeutics Inc. (Cambridge, Mass.) and Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:VRTX) partnered to discover and develop mRNA therapeutics to address the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis by producing functional CF transmembrane conductance regulator ( CFTR) protein in the lungs.

Moderna will be responsible for discovery under the three-year deal, while Vertex will lead preclinical development and beyond. The companies said they also will explore pulmonary mRNA delivery under the collaboration. ...