Vertex under fire as activists demand generics for best-selling drug
AndreyPopov

Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:VRTX) is at risk of facing generics against its blockbuster cystic fibrosis drug Trikafta in several key markets if a global campaign to break its monopoly over the life-saving medication succeeds.
A coalition representing CF patients, their families, and supporters pressed governments in South Africa, India, Ukraine, and Brazil to revoke or suspend Vertex's (VRTX) IP rights for the CFTR modulator, also known as Kaftrio (elexacaftor/ivacaftor/tezacaftor).
CF community group, Vertex Save Us and the patient-led organization, Just Treatment announced the move on Monday as papers were filed in SA High Court seeking generic versions for Trikafta.
Activists in India, Ukraine, and Brazil also filed petitions yesterday challenging Vertex's (VRTX) patents for Trikafta which, according to the company's latest 10-K filing, expire in 2037 in the US and EU.
Trikafta generated ~$5.7B in revenue for the Boston, Massachusetts-based company in 2021.
A hereditary condition, cystic fibrosis affects lungs causing premature death in patients, and CFTR modulators have brought them hope, extending their life expectancy. 
"But Vertex holds intellectual property monopolies on all of these drugs," the group said, noting that their high prices, reaching up to ~$326K, "have led to controversy across Europe and the US, and huge global inequalities of access."
In response, a spokesperson from Vertex (VRTX) said that the company aims to "provide our medicines to as many CF patients around the world as possible."
"We continue to work actively to expand access, including in lower-income countries, recognizing the complexities and access challenges in these markets," the spokesperson added.
Seeking Alpha contributor Sage Advisors notes that Royalty Pharma's (NASDAQ:RPRX) 2014 acquisition of royalties linked to Vertex's (VRTX) CF portfolio, including Trikafta, is the largest-ever royalty deal in pharma.