Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics’ gene therapy Casgevy has started infusing patients with edited cells, following the company’s second-quarter earnings report on August 1. This marks a breakthrough in sickle cell treatment, as experts predicted a slow uptake due to the complex process of undergoing treatment, which can take up to a year.
Meanwhile, bluebird bio’s Lyfgenia gene therapy has also begun infusing patients with edited cells, with four patients having undergone cell collection as part of the treatment process. Both companies have been working to improve reimbursement in all jurisdictions to ensure patients have coverage.
As for when these treatments will start generating revenue, Vertex has activated 35 centers and plans to activate 75 worldwide, with about 20 patients already offering up their cells for collection. Bluebird bio’s CFO estimates that it will take around two quarters between initial cell collection and revenue recognition.
Despite the slow start, analysts predict peak sales for Casgevy could reach $3.6 billion, while bluebird bio expects a growing consistent revenue stream over time as patient starts translate into demand.
Source: https://www.biospace.com/drug-development/patients-at-last-begin-receiving-vertex-crispr-and-bluebird-sickle-cell-gene-therapies