Continuing its focus on cystic fibrosis treatments, Vertex Pharmaceuticals has acquired CTP-656, a Phase II cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator potentiator from Concert Pharmaceuticals. Vertex will pay Concert US$160 M upfront for global development and commercialisation rights to CTP-656 and potential milestone payments of up to US$90 M. Vertex will also acquire rights to all of Concert’s other cystic fibrosis research and preclinical programmes. This deal will aid Vertex’s goal of developing a triple once-daily treatment regimen.