# Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ Painkiller Shows Promise in Midstage Trial, Shares Jump
Shares of Vertex Pharmaceuticals jumped Wednesday after the company’s painkiller, VX-548, significantly decreased pain in a midstage trial. The drug is being tested as an alternative to opioids and aims to provide strong pain relief without the addictive potential. The positive results for diabetes patients suffering from a chronic nerve condition support Vertex’s hopes to develop a blockbuster drug.
## Potential Blockbuster Drug
Analysts have stated that if VX-548 wins approval from regulators, it could become a blockbuster drug with annual sales exceeding $1 billion. Vertex Pharmaceuticals is “working with urgency” to advance the drug to a late-stage trial, which would bring it one step closer to regulatory approval. The company is also testing the medication in late-stage studies for acute pain, with data expected in the first quarter of next year.
## Multibillion-Dollar Product
According to Vertex executives, VX-548 has the potential to be a multibillion-dollar product for both acute pain and chronic nerve pain in diabetes patients. The stock of Vertex Pharmaceuticals jumped 10% following the release of the midstage trial data. Shares of the company are up nearly 40% this year, and the recent approval of the first-ever gene-editing therapy for sickle cell disease from Vertex and its partner CRISPR Therapeutics also contributed to the boost.
## Positive Results for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
The phase-two trial tested VX-548 over 12 weeks in approximately 160 patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The condition, caused by high blood sugar levels, damages peripheral nerves in the arms and legs and can cause mild to debilitating pain. The trial measured pain intensity using an 11-point scale, and the drug reduced average pain intensity by 2.26, 2.11, and 2.18 points for high, mid, and low doses, respectively.
## Well-Tolerated and Comparable to Pregabalin
Vertex reported that VX-548 was generally well-tolerated, with the majority of adverse events being mild or moderate. The trial also compared the drug to pregabalin, a nonopioid therapy approved nearly two decades ago. Pregabalin reduced average pain intensity by 2.09 points over 12 weeks. Analysts noted that Vertex’s painkiller showed efficacy comparable to pregabalin and had a lower rate of adverse events.
In conclusion, Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ painkiller, VX-548, has shown promising results in a midstage trial for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. If approved by regulators, the drug has the potential to be a blockbuster product, providing strong pain relief without the addictive potential of opioids. Vertex is actively working to advance the drug to a late-stage trial and is also testing it for acute pain. The positive trial results have led to a significant increase in the company’s stock.