Vertex Pharmaceuticals announced the failure of a next-generation non-opioid pain candidate, VX-993, in a Phase 2 trial for acute pain following bunionectomy, resulting in termination of pivotal study plans. While the drug did not outperform placebo, development continues for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Separately, Vertex is experiencing executive transition with Chief Scientific Officer David Altshuler planning retirement. These developments represent a significant re-evaluation of the company's pain management pipeline.