David Altshuler, M.D., Ph.D., Joins Vertex as Executive Vice President of Global Research and Chief Scientific Officer
December 15 2014 - 9:00AM
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 IncorporatedInvestors:Michael Partridge,
617-341-6108orMedia:Zach Barber, 617-341-6470MediaInfo@vrtx.com
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