Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) remains well positioned heading into the second half of 2026 as several pipeline catalysts approach, while upcoming competitor cystic fibrosis data is unlikely to materially affect its outlook, UBS Securities said in a note Tuesday.
The investment firm said expectations around the competitive threat have already moderated, noting Vertex's once-daily Alyftrek has shown strong efficacy and that the rival study's narrower patient population may limit its read-through to Vertex.
UBS said it remains most optimistic about phase III data for inaxaplin in APOL1-mediated kidney disease expected in early 2027, saying positive results could position Vertex as the first company to market in the indication and further expand its nephrology franchise.
It also highlighted Phase II data expected this fall in APOL1-mediated kidney disease patients with Type 2 diabetes or moderate proteinuria, a population that could expand the drug's addressable market by 50% to 100%.
UBS has a buy rating on the stock with a price target of $585.
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