"Vertex's Non-Opioid Painkiller Triumphs in Midstage Trial, Shares Surge"
Shares of Vertex Pharmaceuticals surged after positive midstage trial results showed that the company's painkiller, VX-548, significantly reduced pain in diabetes patients with chronic nerve conditions. The drug aims to provide strong pain relief without the addictive potential of opioids, and analysts believe it could become a blockbuster drug with annual sales exceeding $1 billion. Vertex is now working to advance the drug to a late-stage trial and is also testing it for acute pain. The stock rose 10% following the trial data release and has gained nearly 40% this year.