As the first CRISPR-based therapies draw closer to approval, the Flagship-backed biotech believes its gene writing tech is the ‘definitive’ genetic medicine platform.

The first gene-edited therapy will be submitted for sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia; it will compete with bluebird in both indications, but analysts anticipate blockbuster sales in excess of $2bn.

Vertex is expanding its investments across advanced therapies again, R&D chief David Altshuler adding a second in vivo gene-editing deal to its pipeline.

Vertex will pay $320m to buy rival ViaCyte, which is developing stem cell therapies for type 1 diabetes, to complement internal work on VX-880, the firm announced.