Vertex and Moderna partner to develop mRNA Therapeutics for cystic fibrosis

Under the three-year research collaboration, the companies will explore the use of mRNA Therapeutics to treat the prime cause of CF by allowing cells to produce functional CFTR proteins in the lung.

The discovery efforts will be led by Moderna, while Vertex will lead all preclinical, development and commercialization activities related with the advancement of mRNA Therapeutics that arise from the collaboration.

Vertex will also fund all expenses associated to the collaboration. The company will pay Moderna $20m in cash as part of its upfront commitment.

Moderna will receive a $20m from Vertex in the form of a convertible note that will convert to equity.

The investment will let Vertex to have an ownership interest in Moderna.

Vertex will also pay Moderna future development and regulatory milestones of up to $275m, including $220m in approval and reimbursement milestones, apart from tiered royalty payments on future sales.

Vertex executive vice president, global research and chief scientific officer David Altshuler said: "Moderna’s messenger RNA Therapeutics represent a promising new approach that could provide functional CFTR proteins to the lungs of people with CF, which would complement our existing approach of using CFTR modulators to treat CF."

Moderna currently has two phase 1 clinical trials underway of mRNA vaccines to avoid infectious diseases.