Vertex Pharmaceuticals reported a Phase 2 failure for its next-generation non-opioid pain candidate VX-993, which did not outperform placebo in bunionectomy pain, leading the company to discontinue monotherapy efforts. Despite this, Vertex plans to continue development for diabetic peripheral neuropathy indications. Additionally, the company's chief scientific officer, David Altshuler, announced retirement plans next year amid strategic pipeline realignments.