Nov 4 (Reuters) - Vertex Pharmaceuticals ( VRTX ) raised

its annual revenue forecast on Monday after it beat

third-quarter estimates on demand for its cystic fibrosis (CF)

treatments.

The drugmaker now expects 2024 product revenue between $10.8

billion and $10.9 billion compared to its prior expectations of

$10.65 billion to $10.85 billion.

Analysts expect annual revenue of $10.75 billion, according

to estimates compiled by LSEG.

The forecast includes expectations for continued growth in

its CF treatments as well as for the launch of its gene therapy,

Casgevy, in approved indications and geographies, the company

said.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the

lungs, digestive system and other organs, which affects about

35,000 people in the United States, according to government

data.

Sales of Vertex's top-selling CF drug Trikafta rose more

than 13% to $2.59 billion for the quarter ended Sept. 30,

beating analysts' estimate of $2.33 billion.

The company also beat third-quarter revenue estimates on

Monday, helped by strong demand for its CF treatments.

Third-quarter revenue rose 12% to $2.77 billion compared to

analysts' estimates of $2.72 billion.

The company's gene therapy, Casgevy, won a second U.S.

approval to treat a rare blood disorder requiring regular blood

transfusions in January, after it was greenlighted in December

for sickle cell disease.

As of mid-October, the drugmaker has activated 45 authorized

treatment centers globally for the therapy and added that an

increasing number of patients across all regions have initiated

cell collection.

Investors have also been closely tracking the development of

the company's pain drug suzetrigine. The U.S. health regulator

is expected to decide by January on Vertex's application for the

non-opioid drug as a treatment for moderate-to-severe acute

pain.

On adjusted basis, the company reported a profit of $4.38

per share for the reported quarter, compared to analysts'

expectations of profit per share of $4.14.