Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX)

[CubbieBlue]

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Vertex) is engaged in the business of discovering, developing and commercializing small molecule drugs for the treatment of diseases. The Company is engaged in phase-I clinical trials and/or nonclinical activities with respect to a range of additional drug candidates, including compounds intended for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, cystic fibrosis (CF) and influenza. In November 2010, the Company submitted a new drug application (NDA), requesting approval to market telaprevir in the United States for the treatment of patients with chronic HCV infection.

Products:
Existing
[ame=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telaprevir]Telaprevir - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/ame]
Pipeline
http://www.vrtx.com/current-projects/drug-candidates/pipeline.html

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated: NASDAQ:VRTX quotes & news - Google Finance

Looked interesting enough for me to pick up on Investopedia.

What's your take on this Mike?

 

[Michael Scally MD]

I like VRTX. It should hold most of the HCV market while we wait on VRUS. That is close to $1 BILLION PER YEAR!!!

 

[CubbieBlue]

I like VRTX. It should hold most of the HCV market while we wait on VRUS. That is close to $1 BILLION PER YEAR!!!

Are orphan drugs typically profitable? I know there is typically not a huge market for them, but I also tend to think that works as kind of a double edged sword as they are usually expensive and there are no competitors. I am referring to the cystic fibrosis meds they have in development.

 

[Michael Scally MD]

Are orphan drugs typically profitable? I know there is typically not a huge market for them, but I also tend to think that works as kind of a double edged sword as they are usually expensive and there are no competitors. I am referring to the cystic fibrosis meds they have in development.

Orphan drugs are very profitable.

Can Vertex Catch Lightning in a Bottle Again?
Can Vertex Catch Lightning in a Bottle Again? - Seeking Alpha

 

[Michael Scally MD]

This, IMO, is very good news. The stock is currently halted but should move up despite the macro picture.


Vertex: Two-Drug Cystic Fibrosis Therapy Improves Lung Function
Vertex: Two-Drug Cystic Fibrosis Therapy Improves Lung Function - TheStreet