David Altshuler, M.D., Ph.D., Joins Vertex as Executive Vice President of Global Research and Chief Scientific Officer

BOSTON, Dec 15, 2014 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated today announced that David Altshuler, M.D., Ph.D., will join the company as Executive Vice President, Global Research and Chief Scientific Officer. Dr. Altshuler was one of the four founding members of the Broad Institute of Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he has served as Deputy Director and Chief Academic Officer since 2009. Dr. Altshuler is also currently a Professor of Genetics and Medicine at Harvard Medical School and an Adjunct Professor of Biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and has been an attending physician at the Massachusetts General Hospital. His scientific research has been focused on the discovery of new pathophysiological processes underlying the risk of developing type 2 diabetes to identify and validate new drug targets. At Vertex, Dr. Altshuler will lead the company's research efforts aimed at discovering new medicines for the treatment of serious diseases, overseeing activities across the company's five research sites in the United States, Canada and Europe.

"As both an experienced physician and outstanding scientist, David brings to Vertex a unique blend of expertise which, when combined with the proven strength of our research organization, will help advance our programs to discover new medicines that treat the underlying biology of serious diseases," said Jeffrey Leiden, M.D., Ph.D., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Vertex. "David is an internationally recognized leader in human genetics and precision medicine, and I look forward to his insights and leadership as we advance key research programs in the coming years."

"Vertex is known for its groundbreaking science and for solving problems that had long seemed intractable. I look forward to bringing my experience in human genetics and medicine to the company's ongoing research efforts," said Dr. Altshuler. "During my time on the board of directors, I have been tremendously impressed by Vertex's ability to integrate fundamental disease biology and cutting edge technology to help patients and to maintain a commitment to scientific excellence through a period of significant global growth. I look forward to joining the team and to working toward discovering additional transformative new medicines for people with serious diseases."

Dr. Altshuler has received numerous awards for his research and clinical activities related to human genetics, including, most recently, the Champion of Change: Open Science Award from the White House, the Outstanding Scientific Achievement Award from the American Diabetes Association and the Curt Stern Award from the American Society of Human Genetics. He is a member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Society for Clinical Investigation and the Association of American Physicians, among other organizations. He has served on advisory boards for many leading institutions, government organizations and nonprofit foundations, including The National Institutes of Health, The Wellcome Trust, The American Society of Human Genetics, Eisai Pharmaceuticals and Pfizer.

Dr. Altshuler received his B.S. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a Ph.D. from Harvard University and his M.D. from Harvard Medical School. He completed his internship, residency and clinical fellowship training at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Dr. Altshuler has resigned from his position as a Vertex Director and will begin his new role at Vertex in early 2015.

About Vertex

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that aims to discover, develop and commercialize innovative medicines so people with serious diseases can lead better lives. In addition to our clinical development programs focused on cystic fibrosis, Vertex has more than a dozen ongoing research programs aimed at other serious and life-threatening diseases.

Founded in 1989 in Cambridge, Mass., Vertex today has research and development sites and commercial offices in the United States, Europe, Canada and Australia. For five years in a row, Science magazine has named Vertex one of its Top Employers in the life sciences. For additional information and the latest updates from the company, please visit www.vrtx.com.

Special Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, the statements in the second and third paragraphs of this press release. While Vertex believes the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are accurate, there are a number of factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. Those risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the risks listed under Risk Factors in Vertex's annual report and quarterly reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available through the company's website at www.vrtx.com. Vertex disclaims any obligation to update the information contained in this press release as new information becomes available.

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SOURCE: Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated

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