Pharma BD Deal Intelligence
Vertex acquired ViaCyte for $320 million in cash (announced July 11, 2022; closed September 30, 2022) to accelerate its potentially curative stem cell-derived islet cell program for type 1 diabetes (T1D), gaining additional human stem cell lines, differentiation IP, and GMP cell-therapy manufacturing capacity. Post-close the lead asset VX-880 was renamed zimislecel and advanced from Phase 1/2 proof-of-concept into the Phase 3 portion of an open-label Phase 1/2/3 pivotal study. At the ADA 85th Scientific Sessions (June 2025), 12 patients followed at least one year all achieved ADA-recommended HbA1c <7.0% and time-in-range >70%, with 10 of 12 free of exogenous insulin; participants remained on immunosuppression. Zimislecel holds FDA RMAT and Fast Track, EMA PRIME, and UK MHRA ILAP Innovation Passport designations, with global regulatory submissions on track for 2026 — validating the deal's curative-cell-therapy thesis.