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CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Dec 10, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ: VRTX) today announced the appointment of Nancy J. Wysenski as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. Ms. Wysenski has more than 30 years of experience in building commercial operations and in developing and implementing sales and marketing activities for major pharmaceutical products. Ms. Wysenski will serve as a member of Vertex's executive team, reporting directly to the company's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Matthew Emmens.

As Chief Commercial Officer for Vertex, Ms. Wysenski will have broad responsibility for sales, marketing, market research and sales operations activities as the company creates and executes commercial plans to support the potential launch of its late-stage product opportunities.

"Nancy is a seasoned professional in the commercialization of major pharmaceutical products, and I am pleased to welcome her to Vertex," said Mr. Emmens. "In my more than 10 years of working with Nancy in prior capacities, I have seen firsthand her ability to develop highly successful and motivated sales forces. As we evolve into a fully-capable pharmaceutical company, Nancy will provide key operational and commercial expertise to support the continued advancement of our future sales and marketing strategies."

"With significant near-term commercial opportunities and a broad development pipeline to fuel future commercial growth, I am excited to join Vertex at this unique time in the company's evolution," said Ms. Wysenski. "I am encouraged by Vertex's progress in planning for their entry into the hepatitis C and cystic fibrosis markets - two disease areas of significant unmet medical need where I believe Vertex has a unique opportunity to improve the lives of patients worldwide. I look forward to building a robust commercial organization in advance of the potential launch of multiple major products in the coming years."

Prior to joining Vertex, Ms. Wysenski held the position of Chief Operating Officer at Endo Pharmaceuticals, a 1200-person specialty pharmaceutical company, where she led sales, marketing, commercial operations, supply chain management, human resources and various business development initiatives. Prior to her role at Endo, Ms. Wysenski was a co-founder of EMD Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the North American subsidiary of Merck KGaA, where she held various leadership positions, including the role of President and CEO from 2001 to 2006 and Vice President of Commercial from 1999 to 2001. From 1984 to 1998, Ms. Wysenski held several sales-focused roles at major pharmaceutical companies, including Vice President of Field Sales for Astra Merck, Inc. After earning a B.S. in Nursing from Kent State University, Ms. Wysenski joined the Veteran's Administration Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio where she worked as a nurse from 1977 to 1984. Ms. Wysenski also holds an Executive Masters in Business Administration from Baldwin Wallace College.

About Vertex

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated is a global biotechnology company committed to the discovery and development of breakthrough small molecule drugs for serious diseases. The Company's strategy is to commercialize its products both independently and in collaboration with major pharmaceutical companies. Vertex's product pipeline is focused on viral diseases, cystic fibrosis, inflammation, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and pain. Vertex co-discovered the HIV protease inhibitor, Lexiva, with GlaxoSmithKline.

Lexiva^(R) is a registered trademark of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding (i) Nancy J. Wysenski's responsibilities as the company creates and executes commercial plans to support the potential launch of its late-stage product opportunities; (ii) Ms. Wysenski providing key operational and commercial expertise to support the continued advancement of our future sales and marketing strategies; (iii) the company's significant near-term commercial opportunities and broad development pipeline potentially fueling future commercial growth; (iv) Vertex's unique opportunity to improve the lives of patients with hepatitis C and cystic fibrosis and (v) Ms. Wysenski building a robust commercial organization in advance of the potential launch of multiple major products in the coming years. While the company believes these forward-looking statements are accurate, there are a number of factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those indicated, including, among other things, the fact that the value anticipated from Ms. Wysenski's contributions has not yet been, and may never be, realized, and other risks listed under Risk Factors in Vertex's annual report and quarterly reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available through our website at www.vrtx.com. We disclaim any obligation to update the information contained in this press release as new data become available.

Vertex's press releases are available at www.vrtx.com.

(VRTX - GEN)

SOURCE: Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
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