In a development that greatly bolsters its standing in the cystic fibrosis market, Vertex Pharmaceuticals late yesterday released data showing a combination of its existing Kalydeco treatment and an experimental medication called VX-661 greatly improved patient breathing.
"It is difficult to judge other compounds at an earlier stage where we don't have the data, " notes Vertex spokesman Michael Partridge, who says the company is confident in its position.
Unless differences in tolerability and side effects emerge, if both drugs are approved, doctors may look at the data and go with the Vertex drug first because its cure rates appear to be a few percentage points higher.