Vertex Unveils First Patient Results On Potential Diabetes Treatment

In this article:
  • Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ: VRTX) has announced Day 90 data for the first patient from the Phase 1/2 trial of VX-880 for type 1 diabetes (T1D).

  • VX-880 is an investigational stem cell-derived, fully differentiated pancreatic islet cell replacement therapy.

  • The patient, who had suffered five potentially life-threatening hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) episodes in the year before the therapy, was injected with synthetic insulin-producing cells.

  • After 90 days, the patient’s new cells produced insulin steadily and ramped up their insulin production.

  • The patient’s HbA1c, a metric for blood sugar levels, dropped from an average of 8.4% to 7.2%.

  • Most notably, the patient needed just three units of insulin per day compared to 34 units before treatment, a 91% reduction.

  • There were no serious adverse events considered related to VX-880, and most of the adverse events were considered mild to moderate.

  • Vertex is also progressing IND-enabling studies for its encapsulated islet cell program and plans to file an IND in 2022.

  • Related: Vertex Inks Potential .2B Gene-Editing Pact With Arbor Biotechnologies.

  • Price Action: VRTX shares closed lower 0.53% at $180.80 on Monday.

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