Vertex Opens Expanded Research Site in San Diego

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ: VRTX) today announced the opening of its new 170,000 square foot research facility in Torrey Pines, San Diego. The new site represents a significant expansion of the Company’s research presence in the area, and its continued investment in the local economy. The San Diego site is one of Vertex’s three global research hubs, and is where the Company’s three breakthrough cystic fibrosis (CF) medicines were discovered.

“Our researchers in San Diego have spent the last 20 years doing what was once thought impossible – developing the first medicines that treat the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis,” said Dr. David Altshuler, Executive Vice President, Global Research and Chief Scientific Officer. “This team is a critical part of our global research effort, and the new site will allow us to continue investing in science to bring more transformative medicines to people with serious diseases.”

More than 70 percent of the new facility is dedicated to state-of-the-art lab and research space. It features a 1,500 square foot learning lab for science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) education programs, expanding on the Company’s commitment to inspire and equip the next generation of leaders in science; and a 4,000 square foot incubator suite for external collaboration.

The new building, located at 3215 Merryfield Row, is LEED Gold certified and is surrounded by two acres of dedicated outdoor space. Construction of the new building was completed on schedule, in less than 18 months, and was overseen by Alexandria Real Estate. Vertex has committed to a 16-year lease to fully occupy the site.

About Vertex

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious and life-threatening diseases. In addition to clinical development programs in CF, Vertex has more than a dozen ongoing research programs focused on the underlying mechanisms of other serious diseases.

Founded in 1989 in Cambridge, Mass., Vertex's headquarters is now located in Boston's Innovation District. Today, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in the United States, Europe, Canada and Australia. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry's top places to work, including being named to Science magazine's Top Employers in the life sciences ranking for eight years in a row.

For additional information and the latest updates from the company, please visit www.vrtx.com.

(VRTX-GEN)

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