Our stories

 

Discover more about our relentless efforts to improve the lives of patients, employees and our communities.

 

Discover more about our relentless efforts to improve the lives of patients, employees and our communities.

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An image of a Vertex Pharmaceuticals employee wearing a purple shirt while working on a plank of wood during Vertex's 16th Annual Global Week of Service
Making a difference: Our 16th annual Global Week of Service
1 min read

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.

An image of five T1D patients around a circular table talking to one another. There is green and purple color effects around the image, with text at the bottom reading: “HIGHS AND LOWS: T1D STORIES”
The highs and lows of living with type 1 diabetes: A patient roundtable discussion
2 min read

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

A collage of Vertex Foundation Scholarship honorees with a purple and greenish-blue watercolor overlay over the pictures
The Vertex Foundation Scholarship: Empowering futures
3 min read

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

A cartoon image of a woman talking with a doctor in front of a purple background with the words "The State of Pain in America" written in white text on the left side of the image.
The state of pain in America
4 min read

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

An image of two scientists in lab coats who are standing in a lab looking at a tablet.
Advancing independent research in cystic fibrosis
2 min read

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

An image with a purple background of each of the people featured in the article: Ijeoma, Howard, Sharonda, Tray and Dominique.
Portraits of strength: Bringing sickle cell into focus
6 min read

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.

An image with a purple background and headshots of each of the 2024 Vertex Science Leaders Scholarship recipients.
Meet the 2024 Vertex Science Leaders Scholarship recipients
4 min read

Congratulations to our newest Vertex Science Leaders Scholarship recipients. 

An image of the years 1996, 2001, 2008, 2015, and 2024 with an arrow pointing down, with hexagonal images of people working in labs surrounding the descending list of years
Over two decades of history behind our innovation in pain
1 min read

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

An image of Kerri Rhodes standing in a bedroom looking at the camera with a serious look
Advocating for alternatives: The Rhodes family story
1 min read

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.

An image with a bright yellow, blue, and green background with circles of various sizes and text reading "Targeting the Toughest Diseases APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease
Targeting genetic kidney disease
1 min read

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.

An image of a group of Vertexians participating in Day of Service, wearing purple Day of Service shirts and hard hats, with a house in the midst of construction behind them
Reflecting on 2023 — The Vertex Foundation
3 min read

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.

A drawing of Jason McCartney, a Senior Research Scientist at Vertex Pharmaceuticals next to multiple images of various pieces of lab equipment
The drive behind our drug discovery process
1 min read

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

An image with a purple background that has the names of Vertex office locations written in faded text in the background. In the foreground, there is text reading "15 years of day of service" and the Vertex and Vertex Foundation logos above it.
Global Day of Service: 15 years of impact
1 min read

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

An image of a plastic cell model next to a drawing of Sabine Hadida, Vice President, Research, and San Diego Site Head at Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Developing medicines with patients at the forefront
1 min read

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.

An image with a bright yellow, blue, and green background with circles of various sizes and text reading "Targeting the Toughest Diseases Type 1 Diabetes"
Targeting type 1 diabetes
1 min read

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.

An image with a purple background and a drawing of a scientist wearing a white lab coat in the middle of the image
Dr. Todd Bertoch shares his perspective on pain
1 min read

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

A collage of three images of three of the families featured in the story, with a purple background surrounding the collage
Supporting Vertex families from the start
2 min read

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.

A collage of Vertex Foundation Scholarship winners with a purple overlay on top of the collage
Vertex Foundation Scholarship helps students achieve dreams
2 min read

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

An image of a girl and boy pointing to the screen of an open laptop
Supporting learning in our communities with Vertex laptops
3 min read

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.

An illustration of James Sinclair, ‪Senior Director of Engineering & Applied Physics at Vertex Pharmaceuticals, surround by small diagrams of a variety of pieces of the drug discovery process
Problem solving and efficiency in the drug discovery process
1 min read

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.

An image of two female scientists wearing white Vertex lab coats and walking down a set of stairs
San Diego Learning Lab: Our high school summer internship
1 min read

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

An image of two women working on laptops at a table while a man does the same in the foreground of the image
Oxford Learning Lab: Our year 12 summer internship
1 min read

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

An illustration with a purple background featuring the word mRNA and drawings of DNA strands
Understanding how mRNA therapy works
1 min read

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

A watercolor drawing of a cell with an arrow pointing to the words "Cell Therapy"
Understanding cell therapies and potential applications
1 min read

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.

An image of Joan Lambright and Tracy Antonelli
Give blood and keep the world beating: Voices of gratitude on World Blood Donor Day
4 min read

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.

A digital watercolor painting of Paul Negulescu alongside an image of the entrance of a Vertex office building
The journey of our drug discovery process
1 min read

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

A drawing of various pieces of small molecules with a pink, green, and purple background
The potential future of small molecules
1 min read

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.

An image of a Vertex scientist using a pipette
Boston Learning Lab: Our high school summer internship
1 min read

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

A graphic featuring Fred van Goor alongside a drawing of lungs and a handshake
Continuing our cystic fibrosis journey
1 min read

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.

A drawing of Rebecca Hunt alongside a variety of science tools, including beakers and a clipboard
Our commitment to patients
1 min read

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

A graphic featuring various scientific drawings, including a bone showing a hematopoietic stem cell transplant, and with text reading “What is CONDITIONING and how does it work?”
Conditioning regimens: A crucial step in stem cell transplantation
1 min read

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.

An image of a panel of women giving a talk about careers paths in biomedical science
Representation matters: Investing in changemakers
1 min read

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

A graphic featuring various drawings of cells and with text reading "What is cell encapsulation and how does it work?"
Innovative approaches: Breaking down cell encapsulation
1 min read

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.

A drawing of Mark Higgins with science-related detailing in the background
Taking a patient-first approach to clinical trials
1 min read

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.

An image of 3 Vertexians in purple shirts holding garden tools
The Vertex Foundation — A look back at 2022
4 min read

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. 

An image of a young boy with a headline that reads "Don't wait to see cystic fibrosis."
See inside. See cystic fibrosis
1 min read

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. 

An image of different Vertex employees in circles over a purple and pink overlay
Vertex employees share their experiences with type 1 diabetes
6 min read

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.

An image of Alonzo Mourning holding a basketball with the "Power Forward" logo next to him
Raising awareness of APOL1-mediated kidney disease with basketball Hall-of-Famer Alonzo Mourning
2 min read

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.)

An image of Derya Balata and Teame Araya
Meet Vertex’s 2022 Science Leaders Scholars: Derya Balata and Teame Araya
4 min read

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. 

An image of a family of four standing on a cliff looking at a sunset
Vertex celebrates its 2022 Working Parents of the Year honorees
5 min read

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. 

An image of a few headshots from the Vertex Pharmaceuticals Type 1 Diabetes team
Meet (a few of) Vertex’s type 1 diabetes team members
4 min read

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.

Stephanie Franklin and Leela Paris
Meet two of Vertex’s exemplary women leaders
2 min read
Melodie Knowlton speaking to students in the Vertex Learning Lab
Introducing Vertex’s 2021 Science Leaders Scholars
3 min read