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CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Feb 19, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Nasdaq: VRTX) today announced the completion of its public offerings of 6,900,000 shares of common stock, including 900,000 shares purchased by the underwriters pursuant to their over-allotment option, and $287.5 million aggregate principal amount of 4.75% convertible senior subordinated notes due 2013, including $37.5 million aggregate principal amount of notes purchased by the underwriters pursuant to their over-allotment option. The aggregate gross proceeds from the common stock offering and the note offering, before commissions and expenses, are approximately $405.8 million.

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated acted as the sole book-runner and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, Goldman Sachs & Co. and J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc. acted as co-managers for the offerings.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. A copy of the prospectus for each of the offerings can be obtained from Merrill Lynch's prospectus department, at 4 World Financial Center, New York, NY 10080, 212-449-1000.

About Vertex

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated is a global biotechnology company committed to the discovery and development of 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, inflammation, autoimmune diseases, cancer, pain and bacterial infection. Vertex co-discovered the HIV protease inhibitor, Lexiva, with GlaxoSmithKline.

Lexiva is a registered trademark of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies.

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

(VRTX - GEN)

SOURCE: Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
Lora Pike, 617-444-6755
Manager, Investor Relations
or
Zachry Barber, 617-444-6470
Senior Media Relations Specialist

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