Vertex Pharmaceuticals Sues US Government Over Casgevy CRISPR Treatment Fertility Support Program

Jul 15, 2024, 06:15 PM

Vertex Pharmaceuticals has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), seeking a court declaration that a fertility support program for patients prescribed its gene editing therapy, Casgevy, does not violate federal anti-kickback laws. The CRISPR treatment, which is used to treat sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia, carries a high risk of infertility. Vertex argues that the federal rule blocking access to fertility preservation services for these patients is problematic and seeks permission to pay for fertility treatment for individuals undergoing the Casgevy therapy.