Vertex Pharmaceuticals, a global biotechnology company, agreed to acquire the protease medicines portfolio from Catalyst Biosciences, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, for $60m. “We have been exploring strategic alternatives to monetize our assets and maximize value for our shareholders. This sale is part of the ongoing strategic process that we announced in February to explore alternatives and create value for shareholders. We have significantly reduced our cash burn and continue to work with our advisors to evaluate additional strategic alternatives for Catalyst,” Nassim Usman, Catalyst Biosciences CEO.