SiteOne’s efforts in non-opioid pain management put it in a unique position relative to Vertex Pharmaceuticals, a major player in the field known for its successful development of cystic fibrosis treatments. Vertex has also been working on non-opioid pain drugs, specifically targeting the NaV1.8 sodium channel, a focal point shared by SiteOne’s lead program. Simultaneously, SiteOne and Vertex collaborate on a different project targeting the NaV1.7 sodium channel. This complex relationship highlights the competitive yet interdependent landscape of ion channel drug research. Novo Holdings, having followed SiteOne since its inception, was encouraged to invest due to promising early data and the pathway to success demonstrated by Vertex.”