Vertex Pharmaceuticals will acquire Crinetics Pharmaceuticals in a deal that is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.¹ According to the agreement, Vertex will pay $85-per-share in cash for the company, for a total of about $10 billion.

According to a press release, one of the key assets driving this deal is Crinetics’ oral therapy Palsonify, a treatment for adults with acromegaly.

What were the details of the Vertex and Crinetics deal?

Vertex’s chief executive officer and president Reshma Kewalramani, MD, issued a statement about the acquisition, saying, “Crinetics is an excellent strategic fit for Vertex, with its focus on serious diseases in specialty markets with significant unmet need, well-understood causal human biology, and potentially best-in-class medicines that could deliver transformative benefit to patients. We believe Vertex can build on the strong momentum of the PALSONIFY launch by applying our experience in commercializing medicines for rare genetic diseases. We are also excited by the significant potential of atumelnant to transform the treatment landscape for CAH, setting a new standard of care where patients do not have to choose between managing their excess adrenal androgens and enduring the side effects of high-dose steroids.”

The boards for both companies both voted and approved the sale.

Kewalramani continued, “We look forward to working with the talented Crinetics team to rapidly advance their pipeline of medicines for patients living with serious, rare endocrine disorders. Together, these potential blockbuster assets build on our core CF business, ongoing launches and internal innovation portfolio, adding to our growth outlook and driving value for patients and shareholders.”

In the same press release, Scott Struthers, PhD, founder and chief executive officer of Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, added, “Nearly 18 years ago, we founded Crinetics with a clear goal of transforming the lives of patients living with endocrine-related diseases. Today marks a historic milestone as we embark on this next chapter with Vertex. This partnership is anchored by a mutual commitment to science and a shared vision for delivering innovative treatments to patient communities that have long been underserved. Vertex’s global infrastructure and commercial footprint will serve to amplify the reach of our science and allow us to maximize the impact of PALSONIFY, atumelnant and our pipeline. I want to extend my deepest gratitude for the relentless dedication, brilliance and passion of our extraordinary employees, who have worked tirelessly to bring our scientific vision to life, as well as the clinical partners and patient communities who have championed our mission from the very beginning.”

What is Palsonify approved for?

Palsonify is approved to treat acromegaly in the European Union.² Crinetics announced the approval in April of this year, stating the European Commission approved the medication based on positive results from the PATHFNDER-1 and PATHFNDR-2 phase 3 trials.

In a statement issued at the time, Struthers said, “The European Commission’s decision to approve Palsonify reflects the strength of the clinical data and marks a pivotal step toward bringing this important therapy to even more people living with acromegaly. This approval represents another exciting milestone for Palsonify as it accelerates to become the new standard in acromegaly care in the U.S., and soon abroad. This is also a notable achievement for Crinetics in pursuit of our vision to become the global leader in endocrinology.”

Sources

1. Vertex to Acquire Crinetics Pharmaceuticals. Vertex Pharmaceuticals. July 6, 2026. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260706876183/en/Vertex-to-Acquire-Crinetics-Pharmaceuticals
2. Crinetics Pharmaceuticals Announces the European Commission Approval of PALSONIFY® (Paltusotine) for the Treatment of Acromegaly in Adults. Crinetics. April 27, 2026. Accessed July 7, 2026. https://crinetics.com/press-releases/crinetics-pharmaceuticals-announces-the-european-commission-approval-of-palsonify-paltusotine-for-the-treatment-of-acromegaly-in-adults/