RBC says pain opinion leader ‘notably negative’ on Vertex’s VX-548

RBC Capital recently hosted a key opinion leader pain doctor who the analyst says was “notably negative” on Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ VX-548. While the doctor views acute pain reductions as clinically meaningful, he expects challenges gaining prior authorization to use a branded therapy, the analyst tells investors. In addition, the firm notes that it appears VX-973, a higher-potency Nav1.8 inhibitor, is no longer recruiting in its Phase 1 healthy volunteer study based on an update to the clinicaltrials.gov listing. However, the firm also noted that its CF key opinion leader was “very positive” on expected conversion of patients to the vanza-based triple combo. RBC has a Sector Perform rating and $417 price target on Vertex shares.