Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Nasdaq: VRTX) today announced that Peter Mueller, Ph.D., Executive Vice President of Global Research and Development and Chief Scientific Officer, will retire after more than 10 years with the company. Dr. Mueller’s retirement will be effective October 31, 2014, following a planned transition period. Dr. Mueller joined Vertex in 2003 as Chief Scientific Officer and Senior Vice President, Drug Discovery and Innovation.

“Peter is a visionary who embodied Vertex’s fearless pursuit of transformational medicines,” said Jeffrey Leiden, M.D., Ph.D., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Vertex. “I thank Peter for his leadership, innovation and dedication to Vertex over the past decade.”

Jeffrey A. Chodakewitz, M.D., Vertex’s Senior Vice President of Global Medicines Development and Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer, will continue to oversee all global clinical development programs and other related functions and will now assume additional responsibility for Regulatory Affairs and Global Patient Safety. Vertex expects to appoint a Head of Global Research to oversee the company’s drug discovery efforts following Dr. Mueller’s retirement.

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 four 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.

Vertex's press releases are available at 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 third paragraph 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.

(VRTX-GEN)