Vertex Pharmaceuticals CRASHES 16% with 3 NASDAQ Top Percentage Losers

Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:VRTX): Final data from a Phase 2 study of VX-809 and Kalydeco (ivacaftor), cystic fibrosis drugs by Vertex, showed significant improvements in lung function in adult patients suffering form cystic fibrosis and having two copies (homozygous) of the commonest mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene, F508del. According to Vertex, administering the drugs in combination through days 28 to 56 saw a statistically significant improvement, compared to placebo, in each of the homozygous treatment groups. Patients who were administered the highest dosage of 600mg of VX-809 in combination with Kalydeco exhibited the most improvement. This data validates Vertex’s plan to conduct a pivotal study in early 2013 for the evaluation of administration of 600mg of VX-809 combined with 250mg of Kalydeco to homozygous patients, subject to discussions with regulators. Side effects observed in the course of the 56-day study ranged from mild to only moderate severity in all treatment groups and broadly similar between the treatment and palcebo patient groups.

The shares closed at $51.18, down $9.93, or 16.25%. They have traded in a 52-week range of $26.50 to $66.10.

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Anthera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ANTH): The shares closed at $0.81, down $1.94, or 70.55%. They have traded in a 52-week range of $1.44 to $8.63.

Synta Pharmaceuticals Corp. (NASDAQ:SNTA): The shares closed at $4.82, down $2.43, or 33.52%. They have traded in a 52-week range of $3.02 to $8.50.

Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ:GEVO): The shares closed at $4.95, down $1.85, or 27.21%. They have traded in a 52-week range of $4.84 to $18.75.

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