Acquisition set to bolster Vertex’s rare disease portfolio with addition of two potentially best-in-class endocrine assets
Vertex Pharmaceuticals is adding Palsonify (paltusotine) and atumelnant, two potential best-in-class Phase III candidates to its portfolio by acquiring Crinetics Pharmaceuticals for approximately $10 billion
Palsonify is approved in the US as the first once-daily oral therapy for adults with the rare disease acromegaly, which is caused by a pituitary tumour that secretes excess growth hormone
Atumelnant is the firm’s most advanced asset. The once-daily oral adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) receptor antagonist is a currently in Phase III development for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)
Phase II data shows that atumelnant balanced excess androgen levels to near normal range on physiologic replacement doses of glucocorticoids. This outcome positions the treatment to become the leading medical therapy and a multi-billion-dollar opportunity for CAH, with additional benefit through its potential in Cushing’s syndrome
We are also excited by the significant potential of atumelnant to transform the treatment landscape for CAH, setting a new standard of care where patients do not have to choose between managing their excess adrenal androgens and enduring the side effects of high-dose steroids”
Dr Reshma Kewalramani, Chief Executive Officer and President of Vertex
Dr Reshma Kewalramani, Chief Executive Officer and President of Vertex, said: “Crinetics is an excellent strategic fit for Vertex, with its focus on serious diseases in specialty markets with significant unmet need, well-understood causal human biology, and potentially best-in-class medicines that could deliver transformative benefit to patients
“We believe Vertex can build on the strong momentum of the Palsonify launch by applying our experience in commercialising medicines for rare genetic diseases. We are also excited by the significant potential of atumelnant to transform the treatment landscape for CAH, setting a new standard of care where patients do not have to choose between managing their excess adrenal androgens and enduring the side effects of high-dose steroids.”
Vertex’s acquisition of Crinetics is expected to close in Q3 of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions
Topics
- oral drugs
- Rare diseases
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals
