Uncertain About HCV, Vertex Doubles Down On CF, Looks To Sell Off Pipeline Assets

04 Nov 2013

As it nears a crucial inflexion point for its hepatitis C business, Vertex shifts focus to building on its strong early start in cystic fibrosis. The Boston-area firm plans to out-license its mid-stage candidates for autoimmune disease and influenza A.

An R&D focus across diverse therapeutic areas long has been a differentiating factor for Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. A recent retrenchment suggests, however, that the Cambridge, Mass.-based biotech soon could be a single-disease specialist, with a leading position globally in cystic fibrosis, similar to Novo Nordisk AS’ status in diabetes.

The company plans to stop detailing Incivek (telaprevir), its fast-rising and only hepatitis C drug, due to a rapid decline...