Vertex plans for Kalydeco launch

US drugmaker Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: VRTX) announced its 2012 business objectives in conjunction with the 30th Annual JP Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco, including discussing the anticipated launch of Kalydeco (ivacaftor) and progress with its Incivek (telaprevir) .

“In 2011, our team executed a highly successful launch for Incivek in hepatitis C, with more than 25,000 people starting treatment since its approval in mid-2011,” said chairman, president and chief executive Matthew Emmens, adding: “With the strength of the launch for Incivek, the submission of our global approval applications for Kalydeco in cystic fibrosis and the advancement of our pipeline programs, we are positioned for significant growth, earnings and cashflow in 2012.”

Jeffrey Leiden, who will become Vertex’ CEO on February 1, commented: “Entering 2012, we are focused on becoming a sustainable business with strong revenues from Incivek and the planned global launch of Kalydeco for cystic fibrosis. Importantly, we are pursuing opportunities to further improve treatment with our all-oral regimens in development for hepatitis C and efforts to study our cystic fibrosis medicines in a larger group of people with this devastating disease. As these and other pipeline programs advance, we will manage our business with financial discipline and focused investment to ensure the greatest benefit for patients waiting for new treatments and for our shareholders.”