Vertex Sues US for Fertility Support in Casgevy Gene Therapy

Vertex Pharmaceuticals has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government to allow the company to fund fertility preservation services for patients receiving Casgevy, a CRISPR-based treatment for sickle cell disease. The lawsuit challenges an oral opinion from the Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, which deemed the program a violation of federal anti-kickback laws. Vertex argues that the program is essential for patients who must undergo chemotherapy, which can cause infertility, and that the refusal to allow such support exacerbates healthcare inequalities.