Vertex gets EU approval for next-generation cystic fibrosis drug; shares up

Shares of drugmaker Vertex Pharmaceuticals VRTX.O rise 1.6% to $452.55

VRTX says its cystic fibrosis treatment, Alyftrek, receives European Commission approval in patients 6 years and older in EU

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder resulting from the absence of a specific protein, which disrupts the movement of salt and water in and out of cells in various organs

The approval follows a positive recommendation in April from the European Medicines Agency, the region’s drug regulator

The FDA approved VRTX's next-generation treatment in December and generated about $53.9 million in sales during Q1

Including session's move, VRTX up 11.9% YTD