Leerink Partners lifts Vertex price target on pipeline optimism

Brokerage Leerink Partners raises PT on drugmaker Vertex Pharmaceuticals VRTX.O to $525 from $456

Says is optimistic about the company’s revenue and pipeline prospects, which is expected to drive stock price performance, and projects higher investment spending growth

Brokerage anticipates encouraging updates from co's kidney pipeline in 2026

Adds results from late-stage trials studying co's drug for kidney disease IgA nephropathy in H1 should be better cross-trial than competitors

Trial results from other kidney disease drugs and next-gen drug for cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that causes sticky, thick mucus to build up in the body, is also expected

In pain, VRTX is in the final stages of Journavx formulary negotiations with a third major pharmacy benefit manager, brokerage says

Up to last close, stock up 14% YTD