Press Release

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Dec 02, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Nasdaq: VRTX) today announced that it intends to offer, subject to market and other conditions, 10,000,000 shares of its common stock in an underwritten public offering under an effective shelf registration statement on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Vertex intends to grant the underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional 1,500,000 shares of its common stock.

Goldman, Sachs & Co. is acting as the sole book-running manager for the offering.

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. Any offer of shares of common stock will be made only by means of a prospectus, including a prospectus supplement, forming a part of the automatically effective shelf registration statement. A copy of the prospectus for the offering can be obtained from Goldman, Sachs & Co.'s prospectus department, at 85 Broad Street, New York, New York 10004, Fax: 212-902-9316 or email at prospectus-ny@ny.email.gs.com.

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 is a registered trademark of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies.

(VRTX - GEN)

SOURCE: Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
Investors
Michael Partridge, 617-767-6108
or
Lora Pike, 617-444-6755
or
Media
Zachry Barber, 617-444-6470

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