Could CRISPR Therapeutics Become the Next Vertex Pharmaceuticals?

Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: VRTX) is a great example of biotech success. The company has built a cystic fibrosis (CF) empire, bringing in billions of dollars in revenue annually, and now is even expanding into other promising billion-dollar opportunities. It recently won approval for a non-opioid pain treatment that could be a game-changer for both patients and the company down the road.Of course, Vertex's success didn't happen overnight -- and the company even had to quickly shift focus after its initial drug, a hepatitis C treatment, didn't deliver lasting growth. Vertex then bet heavily on its CF research and scored a win: The company now has five commercialized CF treatments, including one approved early this year.CRISPR Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CRSP) is a biotech that generally tackles specialties different from those of Vertex, though it has partnered with Vertex on certain programs. For example, using CRISPR Therapeutics' gene-editing platform, the two companies brought blood-disorders treatment Casgevy to market a little over a year ago.Continue reading

Apr 11, 2025 - 08:49

Could CRISPR Therapeutics Become the Next Vertex Pharmaceuticals?

Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: VRTX) is a great example of biotech success. The company has built a cystic fibrosis (CF) empire, bringing in billions of dollars in revenue annually, and now is even expanding into other promising billion-dollar opportunities. It recently won approval for a non-opioid pain treatment that could be a game-changer for both patients and the company down the road.

Of course, Vertex's success didn't happen overnight -- and the company even had to quickly shift focus after its initial drug, a hepatitis C treatment, didn't deliver lasting growth. Vertex then bet heavily on its CF research and scored a win: The company now has five commercialized CF treatments, including one approved early this year.

CRISPR Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CRSP) is a biotech that generally tackles specialties different from those of Vertex, though it has partnered with Vertex on certain programs. For example, using CRISPR Therapeutics' gene-editing platform, the two companies brought blood-disorders treatment Casgevy to market a little over a year ago.