BOSTON--(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.
(VRTX-GEN)
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
Investors:
Michael
Partridge, 617-341-6108
or
Media:
Zach Barber,
617-341-6470
MediaInfo@vrtx.com
Source: Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
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