Vertex Pharmaceuticals: Strong Buy Rating Backed by Leadership in NAV1.8 Inhibitors and Strategic Collaborations

Jefferies analyst Michael Yee has maintained their bullish stance on VRTX stock, giving a Buy rating on May 21.

Michael Yee has given his Buy rating due to a combination of factors, primarily Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ strong position in the NAV1.8 inhibitor market. Vertex is leading with its Journavx product, which is already on the market for acute pain and is building a robust portfolio of backup and combination therapies. The company is also advancing its second-generation VX-993, which is in Phase II trials and shows promise with higher exposure levels than its predecessor.
Additionally, Vertex’s strategic collaborations, such as with SiteOne for NAV1.7 inhibitors, bolster its competitive edge. The company’s ongoing Phase III trials for DPN chronic pain, with data expected in 2026, further enhance its growth potential. Yee’s cautious optimism about the company’s ability to deliver positive results from these trials, combined with Vertex’s comprehensive approach to developing both NAV1.8 and NAV1.7 inhibitors, underpins the Buy recommendation.

According to TipRanks, Yee is an analyst with an average return of -3.2% and a 40.78% success rate. Yee covers the Healthcare sector, focusing on stocks such as Gilead Sciences, Blueprint Medicines, and Amgen.

In another report released on May 21, Bank of America Securities also maintained a Buy rating on the stock with a $567.00 price target.