Vertex gives update on CF triple combos

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:VRTX) said it expects to submit an NDA by mid-2019 for a triple combination therapy to treat cystic fibrosis. The company is evaluating two different triple combinations -- VX-445 or VX-659 plus tezacaftor and Kalydeco ivacaftor -- across four Phase III trials, and expects to complete enrollment in all of the trials this half.

On a conference call July 25 to discuss its earnings, Vertex EVP and Chief Commercial Officer Stuart Arbuckle also addressed negotiations with the U.K. over reimbursement of its portfolio of CF drugs. Arbuckle said Vertex would not be accepting NHS England's July 20 counteroffer, which he said "significantly undervalues both our current and our future medicines." Under NHS England's "final proposal," it would pay Vertex about £500 million ($662 million) over the next five years, and over £1 billion ($1.3 billion) over the next 10 years (see "NHS Makes 'Final' Offer to Vertex")...