Fluconazole

RAHWAY, N.J.--( BUSINESS WIRE )--Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease and Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, today announced positive topline results from the Phase 3 KOMET trial, which is the largest, global randomized double-blind placebo-controlled multicenter Phase 3 trial in adults with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) who have symptomatic, inoperable plexiform neurofibromas (PN). Topline results showed that KOSELUGO, an oral, selective MEK inhibitor, demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in objective response rate (ORR), the study’s primary endpoint, versus placebo, in these adult patients. Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a rare, progressive genetic condition affecting an estimated 1.7 million people worldwide, approximately 70% of whom are adults. In 30-50% of patients, tumors develop on the nerve sheaths and may cause debilitating symptoms. Neurofibromatosis type 1 is usually diagnosed in early childhood; however, NF1 often progresses into adulthood. There are no approved treatments for adults, leaving many to experience disfigurement, dysfunction, persistent pain or endure multiple surgeries. Professor Ignacio Blanco Guillermo, M.D., Ph.D., chairman, genetic counseling and clinical genetics program at the Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, chairman, Spanish National Reference Center for Adult Patients with Neurofibromatosis and principal investigator of the KOMET trial, said, “ With limited options to manage NF1 plexiform neurofibromas in adults, many patients experience functional impairment and symptoms, which can substantially impact their lives. These clinically meaningful data show KOSELUGO has the potential to make a positive impact in patient care by reducing the size of plexiform neurofibromas.” Marc Dunoyer, chief executive officer, Alexion, said, “ These promising results demonstrate that KOSELUGO, the first and only approved targeted therapy for certain children with NF1 plexiform neurofibromas, now has the potential to benefit adult patients for whom there are no approved targeted therapies. As the largest and only global placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial in adults with NF1 plexiform neurofibromas, KOMET reinforces our leadership in advancing potential treatment options for people living with this debilitating disease. We look forward to sharing these findings with regulatory authorities.” Dr. Scot Ebbinghaus, vice president, global clinical development, Merck Research Laboratories, said, “ Adults with NF1 are in critical need of treatment options to help manage symptomatic, inoperable plexiform neurofibromas. These positive results from the Phase 3 KOMET trial demonstrate the potential to expand the use of KOSELUGO beyond pediatric patients to also treat adult patients living with this rare and challenging genetic condition.” In the trial, ORR was defined as the percentage of patients with confirmed complete response (disappearance of PNs) or partial response (at least 20% reduction in tumor volume) by cycle 16 (28 days per cycle) as determined by independent central review (ICR) per response evaluation in neurofibromatosis and schwannomatosis (REiNS) criteria. The safety profile of KOSELUGO in this study was consistent with that observed in clinical trials among children and adolescents. No new safety signals were identified. Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease will share these data with regulatory authorities and present these data at a forthcoming medical meeting. AstraZeneca and Merck are jointly developing and commercializing KOSELUGO globally. About KOMET KOMET is a global randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center Phase 3 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04924608 ) designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of KOSELUGO in adults with NF1 who have symptomatic, inoperable PNs. The trial enrolled 145 adults from 13 countries across the U.S., Asia, Australia, South America and Europe, with participants’ baseline characteristics, including gender and distribution of PNs, reflective of the global adult NF1 patient population. Patients were enrolled and randomized 1:1 to receive KOSELUGO or placebo for twelve 28-day cycles. Participants were required to have diagnosis of NF1 at least one, symptomatic, inoperable target PN measurable by volumetric MRI analysis, chronic PN pain score documented during screening, adequate organ and marrow function and stable chronic PN pain medication use at enrollment. The primary endpoint is confirmed ORR by cycle 16 as assessed by ICR. Objective response rate is defined as the percentage of patients with confirmed complete response (disappearance of PNs) or partial response (at least 20% reduction in tumor volume). After 12 cycles, patients on placebo were switched to KOSELUGO and patients on KOSELUGO remained on treatment for an additional 12 cycles. Patients who had the opportunity to complete both treatment periods 24 cycles of treatment have the option to participate in a long-term extension period and continue to receive KOSELUGO. About NF1 Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a rare, progressive, genetic condition that is caused by a spontaneous or inherited mutation in the NF1 gene. Neurofibromatosis type 1 is associated with a variety of symptoms, including soft lumps on and under the skin (cutaneous neurofibromas) and, in 30-50% of patients, tumors develop on the nerve sheaths (PNs). These PNs can cause clinical issues such as disfigurement, motor dysfunction, pain, airway dysfunction, visual impairment and bladder or bowel dysfunction. Plexiform neurofibromas begin during early childhood, with varying degrees of severity, and can reduce life expectancy by up to 15 years. About KOSELUGO ® (selumetinib) KOSELUGO is a kinase inhibitor that blocks specific enzymes (MEK1 and MEK2), which are involved in stimulating cells to grow. In NF1, these enzymes are overactive, causing tumor cells to grow in an unregulated way creating so-called plexiform neurofibromas (PN). By blocking these enzymes, KOSELUGO slows down the growth of tumor cells, and, therefore, the PN growth. KOSELUGO is approved in the U.S., European Union (EU), Japan, China and has been granted Orphan Drug Designation in the U.S., EU, Japan and other countries for the treatment of pediatric patients with NF1 PN who have symptomatic, inoperable PN. KOSELUGO (selumetinib) Indication in the U.S. KOSELUGO is indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients 2 years of age and older with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) who have symptomatic, inoperable plexiform neurofibromas (PN). IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Cardiomyopathy. A decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥10% below baseline occurred in pediatric patients who received KOSELUGO in SPRINT with some experiencing decreased LVEF below the institutional lower limit of normal (LLN), including one patient with Grade 3. All patients with decreased LVEF were asymptomatic and identified during routine echocardiography. The safety of KOSELUGO has not been established in patients with a history of impaired LVEF or a baseline ejection fraction that is below the institutional LLN. Assess ejection fraction by echocardiogram prior to initiating treatment, every 3 months during the first year of treatment, every 6 months thereafter, and as clinically indicated. Withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue KOSELUGO based on severity of adverse reaction. In patients who interrupt KOSELUGO for decreased LVEF, obtain an echocardiogram or a cardiac MRI every 3 to 6 weeks. Upon resolution of decreased LVEF, obtain an echocardiogram or a cardiac MRI every 2 to 3 months. Ocular Toxicity. Blurred vision, photophobia, cataracts, and ocular hypertension occurred. Retinal pigment epithelial detachment (RPED) occurred in the pediatric population during treatment with single agent KOSELUGO and resulted in permanent discontinuation. Conduct ophthalmic assessments prior to initiating KOSELUGO, at regular intervals during treatment, and for new or worsening visual changes. Permanently discontinue KOSELUGO in patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Withhold KOSELUGO in patients with RPED, conduct ophthalmic assessments every 3 weeks until resolution, and resume KOSELUGO at a reduced dose. Gastrointestinal Toxicity. Diarrhea occurred, including Grade 3. Diarrhea resulting in permanent discontinuation, dose interruption or dose reduction occurred. Advise patients to start an anti-diarrheal agent (eg, loperamide) and to increase fluid intake immediately after the first episode of diarrhea. Withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue KOSELUGO based on severity of adverse reaction. Skin Toxicity. Rash occurred in 91% of 74 pediatric patients. The most frequent rashes included dermatitis acneiform (54%), maculopapular rash (39%), and eczema (28%). Grade 3 rash occurred, in addition to rash resulting in dose interruption or dose reduction. Monitor for severe skin rashes. Withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue KOSELUGO based on severity of adverse reaction. Increased Creatinine Phosphokinase (CPK). Increased CPK occurred, including Grade 3 or 4 resulting in dose reduction. Increased CPK concurrent with myalgia occurred, including one patient who permanently discontinued KOSELUGO for myalgia. Obtain serum CPK prior to initiating KOSELUGO, periodically during treatment, and as clinically indicated. If increased CPK occurs, evaluate for rhabdomyolysis or other causes. Withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue KOSELUGO based on severity of adverse reaction. Increased Levels of Vitamin E and Risk of Bleeding. KOSELUGO capsules contain vitamin E which can inhibit platelet aggregation and antagonize vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Supplemental vitamin E is not recommended if daily vitamin E intake (including the amount of vitamin E in KOSELUGO and supplement) will exceed the recommended or safe limits due to increased risk of bleeding. An increased risk of bleeding may occur in patients who are coadministered vitamin-K antagonists or anti-platelet antagonists with KOSELUGO. Monitor for bleeding in these patients and increase international normalized ratio (INR) in patients taking a vitamin-K antagonist. Perform anticoagulant assessments more frequently and adjust the dose of vitamin K antagonists or anti-platelet agents as appropriate. Embryo-Fetal Toxicity. Based on findings from animal studies, KOSELUGO can cause fetal harm when administered during pregnancy. In animal studies, administration of selumetinib to mice during organogenesis caused reduced fetal weight, adverse structural defects, and effects on embryo-fetal survival at approximate exposures >5 times the human exposure at the clinical dose of 25 mg/m2 twice daily. Advise patients of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception during treatment with KOSELUGO and for 1 week after the last dose. ADVERSE REACTIONS Common adverse reactions ≥40% include vomiting, rash (all), abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, dry skin, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, pyrexia, acneiform rash, stomatitis, headache, paronychia, and pruritus. DRUG INTERACTIONS Effect of Other Drugs on KOSELUGO Concomitant use of KOSELUGO with a strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor or fluconazole increased selumetinib plasma concentrations, which may increase the risk of adverse reactions. Avoid coadministration with KOSELUGO. If coadministration cannot be avoided, reduce KOSELUGO dosage. Concomitant use of KOSELUGO with a strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducer decreased selumetinib plasma concentrations, which may reduce KOSELUGO efficacy. Avoid concomitant use with KOSELUGO. SPECIAL POPULATIONS Pregnancy & Lactation. Verify the pregnancy status of patients of reproductive potential prior to initiating KOSELUGO. Due to the potential for adverse reactions in a breastfed child, advise patients not to breastfeed during treatment with KOSELUGO and for 1 week after the last dose. About the AstraZeneca and Merck strategic collaboration In July 2017, AstraZeneca and Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, announced a global strategic collaboration to co-develop and co-commercialize LYNPARZA (olaparib), a first-in-class PARP inhibitor, and KOSELUGO. Working together, the companies will develop LYNPARZA and KOSELUGO in combination with other potential new medicines and as monotherapies. Merck’s focus on cancer Every day, we follow the science as we work to discover innovations that can help patients, no matter what stage of cancer they have. As a leading oncology company, we are pursuing research where scientific opportunity and medical need converge, underpinned by our diverse pipeline of more than 25 novel mechanisms. With one of the largest clinical development programs across more than 30 tumor types, we strive to advance breakthrough science that will shape the future of oncology. By addressing barriers to clinical trial participation, screening and treatment, we work with urgency to reduce disparities and help ensure patients have access to high-quality cancer care. Our unwavering commitment is what will bring us closer to our goal of bringing life to more patients with cancer. For more information, visit https://www.merck.com/research/oncology/ . About Merck At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on X (formerly Twitter) , Facebook , Instagram , YouTube and LinkedIn . Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (the “company”) includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. There can be no guarantees with respect to pipeline candidates that the candidates will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be commercially successful. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company’s patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC’s Internet site ( www.sec.gov ). Please see Prescribing Information and Patient Information (Medication Guide) for KOSELUGO (selumetinib) at https://alexion.com/Documents/koselugo_uspi.pdf

BOSTON--( BUSINESS WIRE )-- Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Nasdaq: VRTX) today announced the first accepted medical presentations of the Phase 3 data on the investigational once daily vanzacaftor/tezacaftor/deutivacaftor (“vanza triple”) — the potential next-in-class triple combination medicine — will take place at the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference (NACFC). Vertex also announced presentations describing long-term outcomes in people with cystic fibrosis (CF) ages 2 to 11 years taking TRIKAFTA ® , demonstrating consistent and sustained improvements across multiple measures of disease. “ TRIKAFTA has transformed the treatment of CF in the 5 years since its approval, changing the outlook for patients with CF,” said Carmen Bozic, M.D., Executive Vice President, Global Medicines Development and Medical Affairs, and Chief Medical Officer at Vertex. “ Toward our goal to bring all eligible patients to normal levels of CFTR function, we have made global regulatory submissions for our next-in-class vanza triple combination medicine for patients with CF aged 6 years and older. We are excited to bring this promising new medicine, which has the potential to deliver even greater improvements in sweat chloride, to patients with CF.” Data on the Investigational Once Daily Next-in-Class Triple Combination Therapy, vanzacaftor/tezacaftor/deutivacaftor Vertex will present data on the vanza triple in an oral presentation and two posters on Friday, September 27. This is the first time that the clinical data from the Phase 3 clinical trials of the vanza triple in patients 6 years and older with CF have been accepted for presentation at a medical meeting. These data formed the basis of global regulatory submissions. “ The additional, significant reductions in sweat chloride we see in the vanza triple clinical trials are noteworthy. I believe this improvement in CFTR function may lead to important benefits for people with CF,” said Claire L. Keating, M.D., Co-Director of the Gunnar Esiason Adult Cystic Fibrosis and Lung Program at Columbia University. “ If approved, as a clinician, I’m looking forward to being able to offer patients an option, with once daily dosing, that could advance the treatment for people living with CF.” Data from the Phase 3 clinical studies of the vanza triple will be presented in the following sessions: “ Vanzacaftor/Tezacaftor/Deutivacaftor (VNZ Triple) in Adolescents and Adults with CF: Results from Two Randomized, Active-Controlled Phase 3 Trials,” will be an oral presentation during a session entitled: “Cutting Edge Research: What’s New” on Friday, September 27, from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. EDT and be a poster presentation on Friday, September 27, from 1:15-2:15 p.m. EDT. “ Safety and Efficacy of Vanzacaftor/Tezacaftor/Deutivacaftor (VNZ Triple) in Children 6 Through 11 Years of Age with Cystic Fibrosis,” will be a poster presentation on Friday, September 27, from 1:15-2:15 p.m. EDT. The vanza triple was granted Fast Track and Orphan Drug Designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of CF and has been submitted for regulatory approval in the U.S., Canada, U.K., EU, Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand. Vertex has been assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) date by the FDA of January 2, 2025, for this submission. The vanza triple has not been approved by any global health authority. Long-Term Benefits of TRIKAFTA ® Vertex will present new data on TRIKAFTA ® from long-term (96 week and 192 week) studies in patients ages 2-11 years old that reinforce the sustained benefit seen in studies in older people with CF. Specifically, that early treatment with TRIKAFTA ® is associated with sustained improvements in lung function. These new data demonstrate that in these young children, TRIKAFTA ® could also lead to improved exocrine pancreatic function over time. The data presented at NACFC highlight the safety and tolerability of TRIKAFTA ® , which were generally consistent with the established safety profile. “ I have seen first-hand the positive long-term impact that improvement of CFTR function by TRIKAFTA can have on patients’ clinical outcomes. These improvements are particularly striking for me as a physician caring for young children, where improvements in things like lung function, pancreatic function and quality of life are so meaningful,” said Professor Marcus A. Mall, M.D., Professor and Chair of the Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine and Cystic Fibrosis Center at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Vertex will have four poster presentations that include clinical trial and real-world evidence data, three specifically on TRIKAFTA ® and one showing sustained benefits from KALYDECO ® , which is approved for treatment in the youngest ages. “ Long-term safety and efficacy of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor in children 2 years and older with cystic fibrosis and at least one F508del allele: 96-week results from an open-label extension study,” will be a poster presentation on Friday, September 27, at 12:15-1:15 p.m. EDT. “ Long-term safety and efficacy of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor in children 6 years and older with cystic fibrosis and at least one F508del allele: Results from a 192-week extension study,” will be a poster presentation on Friday, September 27, at 1:15-2:15 p.m. EDT. “ Effectiveness of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ELX/TEZ/IVA) in people with cystic fibrosis and non-F508del CFTR variants: Interim results from a registry-based study,” will be a poster presentation on Friday, September 27, from 12:15-1:15 p.m. EDT. “ Long-term benefits of early ivacaftor (IVA) initiation in people with cystic fibrosis (CF),” will be a poster presentation on Friday, September 27, from 1:15-2:15 p.m. EDT. About Cystic Fibrosis Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a rare, life-shortening genetic disease affecting more than 92,000 people globally. CF is a progressive, multi-organ disease that affects the lungs, liver, pancreas, GI tract, sinuses, sweat glands and reproductive tract. CF is caused by a defective and/or missing CFTR protein resulting from certain mutations in the CFTR gene. Children must inherit two defective CFTR genes — one from each parent — to have CF, and these mutations can be identified by a genetic test. While there are many different types of CFTR mutations that can cause the disease, the vast majority of people with CF have at least one F508del mutation. CFTR mutations lead to CF by causing CFTR protein to be defective or by leading to a shortage or absence of CFTR protein at the cell surface. The defective function and/or absence of CFTR protein results in poor flow of salt and water into and out of the cells in a number of organs. In the lungs, this leads to the buildup of abnormally thick, sticky mucus, chronic lung infections and progressive lung damage that eventually leads to death for many patients. The median age of death is in the 30s, but with treatment, projected survival is improving. Learn more about the importance of sweat chloride (SwCl) in cystic fibrosis. Today Vertex CF medicines are treating over 68,000 people with CF across more than 60 countries on six continents. This represents 2/3 of the diagnosed people with CF eligible for CFTR modulator therapy. About vanzacaftor/tezacaftor/deutivacaftor (the “vanza triple”) In people with CF, mutations in the CFTR gene lead to decreased quantity and/or function of the CFTR protein channel at the cell surface. Vanzacaftor and tezacaftor are designed to increase the amount of CFTR protein at the cell surface by facilitating the processing and trafficking of the CFTR protein. Deutivacaftor is a potentiator designed to increase the channel open probability of the CFTR protein delivered to the cell surface to improve the flow of salt and water across the cell membrane. Investigational vanzacaftor/tezacaftor/deutivacaftor was granted Fast Track and Orphan Drug Designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of CF. The vanza triple will be subject to a meaningfully lower single-digit royalty obligation, compared to the rate payable on Vertex’s current CF portfolio. About TRIKAFTA ® (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor and ivacaftor) In people with certain types of mutations in the CFTR gene, the CFTR protein is not processed or folded normally within the cell, and this can prevent the CFTR protein from reaching the cell surface and functioning properly. TRIKAFTA ® (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor and ivacaftor) is an oral medicine designed to increase the quantity and function of the CFTR protein at the cell surface. Elexacaftor and tezacaftor work together to increase the amount of mature protein at the cell surface. Ivacaftor, which is known as a CFTR potentiator, is designed to facilitate the ability of CFTR proteins to transport salt and water across the cell membrane. The combined actions of elexacaftor, tezacaftor and ivacaftor help hydrate and clear mucus from the airways. TRIKAFTA ® (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor and ivacaftor) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) in patients aged 2 years and older who have at least one copy of the F508del mutation, or another mutation responsive to TRIKAFTA ® , in the CFTR gene. Patients should talk to their doctor to learn if they have an indicated CF gene mutation. It is not known if TRIKAFTA ® is safe and effective in children under 2 years of age. TRIKAFTA U.S. INDICATIONS AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR INDICATIONS AND USAGE TRIKAFTA (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor and ivacaftor) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) in patients aged 2 years and older who have at least one copy of the F508del mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene or another mutation that is responsive to treatment with TRIKAFTA. Patients should talk to their doctor to learn if they have an indicated CF gene mutation. It is not known if TRIKAFTA is safe and effective in children under 2 years of age. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Before taking TRIKAFTA, patients should tell their doctor about all of their medical conditions, including if they: are allergic to TRIKAFTA or any ingredients in TRIKAFTA, have kidney problems, have or have had liver problems, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant because it is not known if TRIKAFTA will harm an unborn baby, or are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed because it is not known if TRIKAFTA passes into breast milk. Patients should tell their doctor about all the medicines they take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. TRIKAFTA may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how TRIKAFTA works. The dose of TRIKAFTA may need to be adjusted when taken with certain medicines. Patients should ask their doctor or pharmacist for a list of these medicines if they are not sure. Patients should especially tell their doctor if they take: antibiotics such as rifampin or rifabutin; seizure medicines such as phenobarbital, carbamazepine, or phenytoin; St. John’s wort; antifungal medicines including ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, or fluconazole; antibiotics including telithromycin, clarithromycin, or erythromycin. Patients should avoid food or drink that contains grapefruit while taking TRIKAFTA. TRIKAFTA can cause serious side effects, including: Liver damage and worsening of liver function in patients with severe liver disease that can be serious and may require transplantation. Liver damage has also happened in patients without liver disease. High liver enzymes in the blood , which is a common side effect in patients treated with TRIKAFTA . These can be serious and may be a sign of liver injury. The patient’s doctor will do blood tests to check their liver before they start TRIKAFTA, every 3 months during the first year of taking TRIKAFTA, and every year while taking TRIKAFTA. Patients should call their doctor right away if they have any of the following symptoms of liver problems: pain or discomfort in the upper right stomach (abdominal) area; yellowing of the skin or the white part of the eyes; loss of appetite; nausea or vomiting; dark, amber-colored urine. Serious allergic reactions have happened to patients who are treated with TRIKAFTA. Call your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room right away if you have any symptoms of an allergic reaction. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include: rash or hives; tightness of the chest or throat or difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips and/or tongue; difficulty swallowing; and light-headedness or dizziness. Abnormality of the eye lens (cataract) has been noted in some children and adolescents treated with TRIKAFTA. If the patient is a child or adolescent, their doctor should perform eye examinations before and during treatment with TRIKAFTA to look for cataracts. The most common side effects of TRIKAFTA include headache, upper respiratory tract infection (common cold) including stuffy and runny nose, stomach (abdominal) pain, diarrhea, rash, increase in liver enzymes, increase in a certain blood enzyme called creatine phosphokinase, flu (influenza), inflamed sinuses, and increase in blood bilirubin. Patients should tell their doctor if they have any side effect that bothers them or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of TRIKAFTA. For more information, patients should ask their doctor or pharmacist. Please click here to see the full U.S. Prescribing Information for TRIKAFTA. KALYDECO ® U.S. INDICATIONS AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR INDICATIONS AND USAGE INDICATIONS AND USAGE KALYDECO (ivacaftor) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) in patients age 1 month and older who have at least one mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene that is responsive to KALYDECO. Patients should talk to their doctor to learn if they have an indicated CF gene mutation. It is not known if KALYDECO is safe and effective in children under 1 month of age. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Before taking KALYDECO, patients should tell their doctor about all their medical conditions, including if they : have liver or kidney problems; are allergic to KALYDECO or any ingredients; are pregnant or plan to become pregnant because it is not known if KALYDECO will harm an unborn baby; and are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed because is not known if KALYDECO passes into breast milk. Patients should tell their doctor about all the medicines they take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. KALYDECO may affect the way other medicines work , and other medicines may affect how KALYDECO works. Patients should ask their doctor or pharmacist for a list of these medicines if they are not sure. Patients should especially tell their doctor if they take the antibiotics rifampin or rifabutin; seizure medicines such as phenobarbital, carbamazepine, or phenytoin; St. John’s wort; antifungal medicines such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, or fluconazole; or antibiotics such as telithromycin, clarithromycin, or erythromycin. KALYDECO can cause dizziness in some patients who take it. If patients experience dizziness, they should not drive or operate machines until symptoms improve. Patients should avoid food or drink containing grapefruit while taking KALYDECO. KALYDECO can cause serious side effects including: High liver enzymes in the blood, which have happened in patients receiving KALYDECO . The patient’s doctor will do blood tests to check their liver before starting KALYDECO, every 3 months during the first year of taking KALYDECO, and every year while taking KALYDECO. For patients who have had high liver enzymes in the past, the doctor may do blood tests to check the liver more often. Patients should call their doctor right away if they have any of the following symptoms of liver problems: pain or discomfort in the upper right stomach (abdominal) area; yellowing of their skin or the white part of their eyes; loss of appetite; nausea or vomiting; or dark, amber-colored urine. Serious allergic reactions have happened to patients who are treated with KALYDECO. Patients should call their healthcare provider or go to the emergency room right away if they have symptoms of an allergic reaction. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include rash or hives, tightness of the chest or throat or difficulty breathing, and light-headedness or dizziness. Abnormality of the eye lens (cataract), which has happened in some children and adolescents receiving KALYDECO. The patient’s doctor should perform eye examinations before and during treatment with KALYDECO to look for cataracts. The most common side effects include headache; upper respiratory tract infection (common cold), which includes sore throat, nasal or sinus congestion, and runny nose; stomach (abdominal) pain; diarrhea; rash; nausea; and dizziness. Use of KALYDECO in patients aged 1 month to less than 6 months born from a pregnancy lasting (gestational age) less than 37 weeks has not been evaluated. These are not all the possible side effects of KALYDECO. Please click here to see the full Prescribing Information for KALYDECO. About Vertex Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases. The company has approved medicines that treat the underlying causes of multiple chronic, life-shortening genetic diseases — cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia — and continues to advance clinical and research programs in these diseases. Vertex also has a robust clinical pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of modalities in other serious diseases where it has deep insight into causal human biology, including acute and neuropathic pain, APOL1-mediated kidney disease, IgA nephropathy, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, type 1 diabetes, myotonic dystrophy type 1 and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Vertex was founded in 1989 and has its global headquarters in Boston, with international headquarters in London. Additionally, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry's top places to work, including 14 consecutive years on Science magazine's Top Employers list and one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. For company updates and to learn more about Vertex's history of innovation, visit www.vrtx.com or follow us on LinkedIn , Facebook , Instagram , YouTube and Twitter/X . Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including, without limitation, the statements by Carmen Bozic, M.D., Professor Marcus A. Mall, M.D., and Claire L. Keating, M.D., in this press release, and statements regarding our expectations for and the anticipated benefits of the vanza triple, our expectations that medical presentations of Phase 3 data on the vanza triple will take place at NACFC, our expectations for the long-term data for TRIKAFTA, plans to present long-term TRIKAFTA data and KALYDECO data, and our expectations for a lower royalty obligation for the vanza triple. While we believe the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are accurate, these forward-looking statements represent the company's beliefs only as of the date of this press release and there are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Those risks and uncertainties include, among other things, that data from the company's development programs may not support registration or further development of its compounds due to safety, efficacy, and other reasons, and other risks listed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Vertex's most recent annual report and subsequent quarterly reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov and available through the company's website at www.vrtx.com . You should not place undue reliance on these statements, or the scientific data presented. Vertex disclaims any obligation to update the information contained in this press release as new information becomes available. (VRTX-GEN)