Our stories

Our annual Global Week of Service is a longstanding tradition and opportunity for Vertexians around the world to give back to the communities where we live and work. Find out how we made an impact in our 16th year.

Hear more from five individuals living with type 1 diabetes about how their diagnosis and management journey has impacted them and their loved ones.

From recent high school graduates to those pursuing advanced degrees, this year’s Vertex Foundation Scholars are chasing their dreams.

U.S. survey reveals patient and health care provider insights on acute pain management. Learn more about this significant unmet need and its impact.

Vertex is committed to working alongside the CF community on this journey to support those living with CF.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Learn how we support independent research in cystic fibrosis (CF) through our Vertex CF Research Innovation Awards and Vertex Innovation Awards programs.

Our commitment to the sickle cell community extends beyond our research. Learn how we’ve worked with Sickle Cell Warriors to amplify their voices and experiences, highlighting the multifaceted nature of this disease.

Congratulations to our newest Vertex Science Leaders Scholarship recipients. 

Learn how we explore the daily lives of those living with debilitating disease to help inform our mission.

Learn how our teams utilize real-world research to understand the lived impacts of sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia.

Chief Scientific Officer David Altshuler reflects on the history of innovation that serves as inspiration as we pursue a brighter future for people living with type 1 diabetes. 

At Vertex, we’re fearless in our pursuit of innovation, and we’ve spent over 20 years researching potential medicines to treat pain.

Chief Human Resources Officer Stephanie Franklin discusses Vertex’s inclusive benefits and how they are helping Vertexians.

Guided by our uncompromising commitment to patients, we are committed to going the distance in cystic fibrosis. Learn more about what we're focused on as we continue our journey.

Dr. Ogo Egbuna leads clinical development for our genetic kidney disease programs. Learn more about APOL1-mediated kidney disease from a nephrologist’s perspective.

We’re committed to carefully managing our environmental footprint. Learn more from Charlie Wagner, our Chief Financial Officer, about the progress we’re making to conserve water and to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. 

We are relentless in our quest to improve the lives of people living with serious diseases. Thanks to the dedication of teams led by Paul Negulescu, Sabine Hadida and Fred Van Goor, our medicines have profoundly impacted the cystic fibrosis community, earning recognition such as the prestigious Breakthrough Prize.

Kerri and Taylor Rhodes felt helpless as they watched their son struggle with substance use disorder after being prescribed an opioid to help with postoperative pain. When their daughter faced the same procedure years later, the family was determined to find a different way to manage her pain.

APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD) is a serious disease with a high unmet need — exactly the type of problem that fits our research strategy. Hear from experts in our AMKD podcast episode, in partnership with Bloomberg Media Studios.

Sustainability is both a priority and a team effort. Learn more about how we're dedicated to being responsible global citizens from Executive Director Katharine Jensen.

We’ve been working with the beta thalassemia community since the inception of our research program in 2015. Learn more about our efforts and commitments around the globe.

When reflecting on 2023, it is clear that the Vertex Foundation had another strong year of impact through its nonprofit partnerships in our amazing communities and with the unwavering support of Vertexians.

The Vertex Foundation Scholarship helps eligible people with cystic fibrosis and their families in the U.S. and Canada pursue higher education degrees. Recipients will be awarded $5,000 USD/CAD toward the 2024-2025 academic year. 

Diana Cruz Solash, Vice President of Talent and ID&E, shares game-changing insights from our seventh annual ID&E Week.

Listen to Jason McCartney, Senior Director, Medicinal Chemistry, discuss an overview of the drug discovery process at Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

Join us as we celebrate 15 years of giving back at Vertex.

Individuals living with severe sickle cell disease report higher exposure to health care prejudice, according to new research by our Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR) team.

Vertex is committed to the sickle cell disease community. Beyond our science, it’s about showing up and locking arms with the community to work together toward meaningful change.

Watch as our Senior Vice President and San Diego Site Head, Sabine Hadida, breaks down our drug discovery process and the importance of grit, teamwork and determination.

We’re investigating type 1 diabetes at the cellular level. Hear from experts in our type 1 diabetes podcast episode, in partnership with Bloomberg Media Studios.

Learn more about Dr. Bertoch’s experience as an anesthesiologist and the unmet medical need in his area of work. 

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is a place where you can grow, work and be supported at home. We believe it’s important to not only take care of employees but families as a whole.

The Vertex Foundation aims to help support the entire family — including educational funding for people living with cystic fibrosis, their loved ones and caregivers.

Our “We” Wins mentality at work. Read about how Vertex employees challenged the status quo and created opportunities to donate retired laptops to students in our communities.

Listen to James Sinclair, ‪Senior Director of Engineering & Applied Physics, talk about how our engineers partner with our scientists to optimize the drug discovery process.

Though they come from different backgrounds, our scientists share a passion and dedication to pushing our science forward. Meet the people driving innovation at Vertex.

Our high school internship program represents the best of workplace-based learning. Join students in our Learning Lab in San Diego to learn more.

Understanding the real-life impacts of managing SCD and TDT.

Chief Human Resources Officer Stephanie Franklin discusses our unique culture at Vertex and how we bring our culture to life.

Step inside our Oxford, U.K., Learning Lab and learn about our year 12 summer internship, one of our signature STEAM education programs.

Learn about how mRNA therapy could potentially benefit people living with serious diseases.

Cells are often called the building blocks of life, and cell therapies are one of the ways we’re trying to unlock innovative ways to treat serious diseases.

On World Blood Donor Day, hear from two individuals living with sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia as they share their stories, shed light on their struggles, and emphasize the impact blood donation has had on their disease and quality of life.

Paul Negulescu, Senior Vice President, Research, talks about the journey his team has taken over the last 20 years.

Learn about how small molecules can potentially make a big impact on the future of medicine. They are just one of our tools that are being investigated to unlock new ways to impact serious diseases.

Step inside our Boston Learning Lab and learn about our high school summer internship, one of our signature STEAM education programs.

Listen to Fred Van Goor, Vice President of Cystic Fibrosis Research, talk about our commitment to pursuing new therapeutic advances for all people living with cystic fibrosis and how this commitment drives scientific innovation.

Rebecca Hunt, Vice President of Patient and Community Engagement, highlights Vertex’s uncompromising commitment to patients.

Learn about an essential component in stem cell transplants, known as conditioning regimens. This is just one of the tools in our drug discovery toolbox that could support potential treatments.

Learn how Vertex remains committed to increasing representation in science and medicine through our partnership with the Biomedical Science Careers Program.

Learn about one of our innovative approaches, cell encapsulation. This is just one of the tools in our drug discovery toolbox that has the potential to treat serious diseases.

Vice President of Clinical Development Dr. Ogo Egbuna shares why it’s important to raise awareness about APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD). 

Learn more about cystic fibrosis and how we are committed now more than ever to discovering new therapeutic advances for all people living with the disease.

Mark Higgins, Senior Director of Clinical Development, highlights Vertex’s patient-first approach to clinical trials and discusses his experience discovering potential treatments for people with cystic fibrosis.

Learn why the Vertex Pharmaceuticals approach to career growth is unique from Chief Human Resources Officer Stephanie Franklin.

Looking back on 2022, the Vertex Foundation remains grateful and excited for the future. From supporting healthy families to social innovation and STEAM education, we’re proud of the impact Foundation partners continue to make in our communities around the world. 

Unique summer camp experiences dedicated to the siblings of children with a serious illness? Sign us up! Having a child with a serious illness impacts the whole family, and sibling camp is just one way the Vertex Foundation supports healthy families across the globe. 

Cystic fibrosis is a rare, genetic, progressive disease, in which symptoms and organ damage can manifest very early in life. These may not, however, be outwardly visible in all children and while some children can appear well on the outside, what is happening inside their bodies can tell a different story. 

We are lucky to have some of our very own ‘Vertexians’ willing to share their stories about living with or caring for someone with T1D. We invite you to learn from them and help raise awareness for T1D this month.

ID&E Week is our annual opportunity to press pause and listen, learn and reflect. This year’s theme, “Catalysts for Change,” was also a call to action for Vertexians to ignite actionable change. Hear from Vice President Diana Cruz Solash on key takeaways from our sixth annual ID&E Week. 

Alonzo Mourning was at the height of his legendary basketball career when he was diagnosed with what is now known as APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD). We’re teaming up to help raise awareness of AMKD and empower others to take a proactive role in their health. (Alonzo Mourning is a paid spokesperson for Vertex Pharmaceuticals.)

Giving back is part of our culture, so much so that we say it’s in our DNA. Vertex’s 14th annual Global Day of Service was our most impactful to date, with 57% employee participation across 20 countries and more than 6,000 hours of service contributed to our communities. 

Derya Balata and Teame Araya are Vertex’s newest Science Leaders Scholars. Learn more about these two outstanding students who have been selected to receive a four-year, full scholarship to pursue a STEM-related course of study at the University of Massachusetts. 

The Sickle Cell Disease Partnership is a multistakeholder coalition, launched in June, which works to improve care and access for people living with sickle cell disease. Here, Chief Patient Officer Amit Sachdev discusses the partnership, its goals and the reasons it was founded.

Vertex is proud to share that it has been named — once again — to Seramount’s 100 Best Companies list and the Best Companies for Dads list. Learn more about what sets us apart and meet our Working Parents of the Year honorees, Genzy Davis and Ravin Warnakulasuriya. 

Supporting healthy families is one focus of the Vertex Foundation. Executive Director Katharine Jensen shares how the Foundation is expanding its partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities in new and innovative ways.

Our commitment to inclusion, diversity and equity (ID&E) is longstanding and achieving our ambition takes collective action and shared ownership. Learn more about our approach from Vice President of Talent and ID&E Diana Cruz Solash.

Incredible talent and cross-functional collaboration. All that and more with Vertex’s type 1 diabetes team. Meet a few of the team members who are making a difference.