In a move to enhance its gene editing capabilities, Vertex Pharmaceuticals has agreed to both expand its collaboration with CRISPR Therapeutics and acquire Exonics Therapeutics for a combined US$420 M upfront. The two deals push Vertex’s capabilities further into the gene-editing space and follows its recent deal spree with Arbor Biotechnologies and Merck KGaA – this time investigating treatments for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1.