VRTX's New Drugs Performance Mixed in Q3: Can Their Sales Improve?

Core Insights - Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX) reported strong third-quarter 2025 results, exceeding estimates for both earnings and sales [1][2] Financial Performance - Total revenues reached $3.08 billion, marking an 11% year-over-year increase, driven by higher sales of the cystic fibrosis therapy Trikafta/Kaftrio and contributions from new drugs Alyftrek, Journavx, and Casgevy [2] - Sales in the United States rose by 15%, while international sales increased by 4% [2] - Trikafta sales grew by 2.6% during the quarter [2] - Vertex adjusted its full-year 2025 revenue guidance from a range of $11.85-$12 billion to $11.9-$12.0 billion [2] Drug Performance - The CF franchise significantly contributed to revenues, but investor focus is shifting towards the performance of newer drugs Alyftrek, Journavx, and Casgevy, which are crucial for long-term growth [3] - Alyftrek generated $247 million in sales in Q3, up from $156.8 million in Q2, indicating strong global launch momentum [7][9] - Journavx achieved sales of $19.6 million, meeting expectations as prescription and payer coverage expand [9][12] - Casgevy's sales fell 44% sequentially to $16.9 million, although patient access and reimbursement are improving [9][14] Market Outlook - Vertex anticipates higher sales from Journavx in Q4 due to rising prescription volumes [13] - The company expects over $100 million in Casgevy revenues for the year, with significant growth projected for 2026 [15] - Despite promising access progress and launch metrics for Journavx and Casgevy, revenue misses raise concerns about their contributions to overall revenue [16]