Vertex Pharma rises after rival genetic disorder drug setback

Sionna Therapeutics

10/08/2026 13:36

** Shares of drugmaker Vertex Pharmaceuticals VRTX.O climb 7.65% to $534 premarket
** Sionna Therapeutics SION.O says it will discontinue development of SION-719 experimental cystic fibrosis drug after it failed to meet main goal in a mid-stage trial
** Investors have been concerned Sionna can pose threat to VRTX's core cystic fibrosis business, but the trial failure is a clearing event - RBC Capital Markets
** VRTX markets Trikafta and Alyftrek for cystic fibrosis — a rare, chronic and life-shortening genetic disease which causes  progressive lung damage
** Up to last close, stock up ~9.5% YTD

 (Reporting by Sriparna Roy in Bengaluru)
 ((Sriparna.Roy@thomsonreuters.com;))