-Semma’s unique investigational approach combines robust production process of pancreatic islet cells with proprietary delivery system to restore insulin secretion in type 1 diabetes patients-

-Semma to be acquired for $950 million in cash-

BOSTON & CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep. 3, 2019-- Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ: VRTX) today announced that the company has entered into a definitive agreement under which Vertex will acquire Semma Therapeutics, a privately held biotechnology company pioneering the use of stem cell-derived human islets as a potentially curative treatment for type 1 diabetes, for $950 million in cash. Semma has demonstrated a differentiated approach to treat type 1 diabetes, a serious disease affecting over one million people in the United States alone. Semma has made two major scientific advances: the ability to produce large quantities of functional human pancreatic beta cells that restore insulin secretion and ameliorate hypoglycemia in animal models and a novel device that encapsulates and protects these cells from the immune system, enabling durable implantation without the need for ongoing immunosuppressive therapy.

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“This acquisition aligns perfectly with our strategy of investing in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases in specialty markets,” said Jeffrey Leiden, M.D., Ph.D., Chairman, Preside…