Vertex Pharmaceuticals is a US biotechnology company focused on innovation in pain management. On February 1, 2025, the company announced that its "first-in-class" therapy, Journavx (suzetrigine), received FDA approval for the treatment of moderate to severe acute pain in adults. This drug is the first novel mechanism-of-action drug in over 20 years to achieve analgesia by targeting the NaV1.8 ion channel, with a selectivity 30,000 to 40,000 times greater than similar ion channels. In two Phase 3 clinical trials, Journavx demonstrated significant efficacy and met its primary endpoint. While not surpassing opioids, it provides a non-addictive new option for pain management. Currently, the company is advancing Phase 2 clinical development of its second-generation NaV1.8 inhibitor, VX-993.
On February 1, 2025, Vertex Pharmaceuticals' Journavx (suzetrigine) received FDA approval in the US, becoming the first novel mechanism-of-action drug for the treatment of acute pain in over 20 years. This approval marks a significant breakthrough in the field of pain management, filling a long-standing gap in the availability of highly effective non-opioid analgesics.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a pharmaceutical company headquartered in Boston, USA.
Founded in 1989 by Joshua Berg and Kevin J. Kinsella, the company primarily researches and manufactures small-molecule drugs for treating various terminal illnesses. Notable products include ivacathotocin for cystic fibrosis and telaprevir for hepatitis C.
On September 3, 2019, Vertex Pharmaceuticals acquired the biotechnology company Semma Therapeutics for $950 million.
Company Name: Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Official Domain: vrtx.com
Domain Created: January 8, 2000
Country: USA
Headquarters: Boston, USA
Founded: 1989
Founders: Joshua Bogle and Kevin J. Kinsella.