Pharma BD Deal Intelligence

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated / Semma Therapeutics Inc.

2019 · Acquisition/Merger · $950M · Complete

CALLED IT — OFF BY 3
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The coverage arc

Sep 03, 2019 BioSpace Bullish

Vertex buying Semma Therapeutics for $950 million to develop stem cell-derived insulin-producing islet cell replacement therapies

Mar 28, 2025 Vertex Pharmaceuticals Neutral

Vertex announced zimislecel (VX-880) is in the Phase 3 portion of its Phase 1/2/3 study with global regulatory submissions expected in 2026, and that…

Jun 20, 2025 Vertex Pharmaceuticals Bullish

Positive zimislecel Phase 1/2 data at ADA 2025: all 12 dosed participants restored endogenous insulin secretion (A1C <7%, time-in-range >70%);…

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Vertex Pharmaceuticals acquired Semma Therapeutics for $950 million in cash, gaining stem cell-derived human islet cell therapy technology for type 1 diabetes, including methods for producing functional pancreatic beta cells and a proprietary cell encapsulation device enabling implantation without chronic immunosuppression.

Key facts

Related deals — scored

DealYearValueOutcome
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated / Semma Therapeutics Inc. (this deal)2019$950M86
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated / Aurora Biosciences Corporation2001$592M95
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated / Concert Pharmaceuticals, Inc.2017$250M85
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated / CRISPR Therapeutics AG2015$2.6B85
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated / Alpine Immune Sciences2024$4.9B78
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated / Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.2026$10.0B68
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated / ViaCyte Inc.2022$320M60

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