Vertex Pharmaceuticals reached a crucial point after the Phase II failure of its Aventis-partnered rheumatoid arthritis therapeutic, pralnacasan. The company has reacted to its US$140-150 M loss by forming new partnerships with Mitsubishi Pharma and Merck & Co. The swiftness of Vertex’s deal making has thrilled the investors. Its short term future now looks secure. Moreover, Vertex’ decision to develop VX-680 that is seemingly rejected by Novartis, considers Vertex’ provable expertise in bringing oncology drugs to market.