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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.          )

 

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April 8, 2011

Dear Shareholder:

        We cordially invite you to attend our 2011 annual meeting of shareholders. We will hold our meeting on Thursday, May 12, 2011, at 9:30 a.m. at our headquarters at 130 Waverly Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

        At this year's meeting, you will be asked to vote on the election of directors, to provide your advisory views on our executive compensation program and on the frequency with which we should request advisory votes on our executive compensation program in the future, and to ratify Ernst & Young LLP as our auditors.

        Whether or not you attend the meeting in person, we encourage you to vote by completing, signing and returning the enclosed proxy prior to the meeting. Every shareholder vote is important. To ensure your vote is counted at the annual meeting, please vote as promptly as possible.

        Thank you for giving these materials your careful consideration.

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2011 Proxy Summary

        This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this proxy statement. This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider, and you should read the entire proxy statement carefully before voting.

Annual Meeting of Shareholders

Voting Matters

Board Nominees

        Matthew W. Emmens and Wayne J. Riley are up for re-election at the 2011 annual meeting, and our board has nominated Margaret G. McGlynn for election at the 2011 annual meeting. We have three classes of directors who are elected for three-year terms by a plurality of votes cast.

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Executive Compensation Advisory Vote and Its Frequency

        We are asking shareholders to approve, on an advisory basis, our executive compensation program. Our board of directors recommends that our shareholders vote FOR this proposal because it believes that our compensation policies and practices are effective in achieving our goals of (i) rewarding our executive officers for the achievement of short-term and long-term strategic and operational goals while at the same time seeking to avoid encouraging inappropriate or excessive risk-taking, and (ii) attracting and retaining the talented executives necessary to achieve our goal of being a biopharmaceutical company with industry-leading capabilities in research, development and commercialization of innovative drugs.

        We also are asking our shareholders to approve, on an advisory basis, the frequency of future advisory votes on our executive compensation program. Our board recommends that shareholders vote in favor of holding advisory votes on our executive compensation program EVERY YEAR.

2010 Compensation Decisions

        We are preparing for the expected launch and commercialization of telaprevir, our lead drug candidate for the treatment of hepatitis C virus, or HCV, infection, and VX-770, our drug candidate for the treatment of cystic fibrosis, or CF, which is being evaluated in a registration program focused on a specific form of the gene mutation that causes CF. We seek to closely align the interests of our executive officers with the interests of our shareholders. Our executive officers' total compensation is comprised of a mix of base salary, annual cash incentives and long-term incentive awards that include both time-based stock options and performance-based restricted stock awards. Long-term equity-based incentive compensation continues to make up the majority of the compensation for each of our executive officers. Annual restricted stock awards to our executives with performance accelerated vesting factors reflect our practice of incorporating such features into our compensation programs with the goal of advancing our longer-range strategic plan.

        We had a very successful year in 2010, despite the scientific, technical, logistical, competitive and regulatory challenges involved in advancing our first pharmaceutical product toward the market. We completed the registration program for telaprevir and filed a New Drug Application, or NDA, with the United States Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, in a timely fashion, while advancing the registration program for VX-770 and several other earlier-stage clinical programs for drug candidates in various medical indications. We also prepared for the expected telaprevir launch by implementing related commercial, manufacturing, regulatory compliance, patient safety and other programs, and continued to maintain our research productivity and organizational and financial strength. The achievement of these difficult operational goals served as a key factor in determining executive compensation for 2010, including the award of annual bonuses and equity awards at significantly above target levels for all of our executive officers, and at the maximum possible level for our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer.

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2010 Compensation Summary

        Set forth below is the 2010 compensation for each named executive officer as determined under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC. The SEC's calculation of total compensation (reflected in the column entitled "Total") includes several items that are driven by accounting assumptions, which are not necessarily reflective of compensation actually realized by the named executives in 2010. To supplement the SEC-required disclosure, we have included an additional column in the table below entitled "Total Realized Compensation," which shows total compensation realized by each of the named executive officers in 2010.

(1)

The amounts reported in the Total Realized Compensation column differ substantially from the amounts reported in the Total column, as determined under SEC rules, and are not a substitute for those Total amounts. Total Realized Compensation represents: (1) Total compensation, as determined under applicable SEC rules, minus (2) the aggregate grant-date fair value of restricted stock awards and stock option awards granted in February 2010 and July 2010 (as reflected in the Stock Awards column and Option Awards column), plus (3) the value realized in 2010 from the vesting of restricted stock awards and exercises of stock options (as reflected in the Option Exercises and Stock Vested for 2010 table on page 39). For more information on Total compensation as calculated under SEC rules, see the narrative and notes accompanying the Summary Compensation Table set forth beginning on page 32.

Auditor

        We are asking our shareholders to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2011. Set forth below is summary information with respect to Ernst & Young LLP's fees for services provided to us in 2010 and 2009.

        Our board recommends that shareholders vote FOR ratifying our appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2011.

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VERTEX PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED
130 Waverly Street
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139-4242
Telephone: (617) 444-6100
www.vrtx.com

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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

May 12, 2011

TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF VERTEX PHARMACEUTICALS INCOPORATED:

        Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated will hold its 2011 annual meeting of shareholders on Thursday, May 12, 2011, at 9:30 a.m. at our headquarters, which are located at 130 Waverly Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts. The purposes of the meeting are:

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to elect the three director nominees that are set forth in the attached proxy statement to the class of directors whose term will expire in 2014;



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to approve, by a non-binding advisory vote, our executive compensation program;



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to recommend, by a non-binding advisory vote, the frequency with which we should request advisory votes on our executive compensation program in the future;



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to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2011; and



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to transact other business that may properly come before the annual meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the annual meeting.

        Only shareholders of record of our common stock at the close of business on March 15, 2011 are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the annual meeting and any adjournment or postponement of the annual meeting.

        Your vote matters. Whether or not you plan to attend the annual meeting, please ensure that your shares are represented by voting, signing, dating and returning your proxy in the enclosed envelope, which requires no postage if mailed in the United States.

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VERTEX PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED
130 Waverly Street
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139-4242
Telephone: (617) 444-6100
www.vrtx.com

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PROXY STATEMENT
2011 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To be held on May 12, 2011

GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING PROXY MATERIALS AND ANNUAL
MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

        This proxy statement, with the enclosed proxy card, is being furnished to shareholders of Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated in connection with the solicitation by our board of directors of proxies to be voted at our 2011 annual meeting of shareholders and at any postponements or adjournments thereof. The annual meeting will be held on Thursday, May 12, 2011, at 9:30 a.m. at our headquarters, which are located at 130 Waverly Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

        This proxy statement and the enclosed proxy card are first being mailed or otherwise furnished to our shareholders on or about April 11, 2011. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 and other materials regarding our company are being mailed to the shareholders with this proxy statement, but are not part of the proxy statement.

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS

        This proxy statement and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 are available to holders of record of our common stock at www.envisionreports.com/vrtx and to beneficial holders of our common stock at www.edocumentview.com/vrtx.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING

1.    What is the purpose of the annual meeting?

        At the annual meeting, shareholders will act upon the matters outlined in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders. These include the election of directors, the approval on an advisory basis of our executive compensation program, an advisory vote on the frequency with which our shareholders will provide future advisory votes on our executive compensation program and the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm. Management, chairs of each committee of our board and representatives of Ernst & Young LLP are expected to be available to respond to questions from shareholders.

2.    What is a proxy?

        It is your legal designation of another person to vote the stock you own in the manner you direct. That other person is called a proxy. If you designate someone as your proxy in a written document, that document also is called a proxy or a proxy card. We have designated Matthew W. Emmens, Ian F. Smith and Valerie L. Andrews to serve as proxies at the annual meeting.

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3.    What is a proxy statement?

        It is a document that provides certain information about a company and matters to be voted upon at a meeting of shareholders. As a shareholder, the SEC requires us to give you the information in this proxy statement when we are soliciting your vote.

4.    What is the difference between a shareholder of record and a shareholder who holds stock in street name?

        Shareholders of Record.    If your shares are registered in your name with our transfer agent, Computershare, you are a shareholder of record with respect to those shares, and these proxy materials were sent directly to you by Computershare.

        Street Name Holders.    If you hold your shares in an account at a bank or broker, then you are the beneficial owner of shares held in "street name." The proxy materials were forwarded to you by your bank or broker, who is considered the shareholder of record for purposes of voting at the annual meeting. As a beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your bank or broker on how to vote the shares held in your account.

5.    How many shares must be represented in order to hold the annual meeting?

        In order for us to conduct the annual meeting, holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote as of the close of business on the record date must be present in person or by proxy. This constitutes a quorum. If you are a shareholder of record, your shares are counted as present if you properly return a proxy card or voting instruction form by mail or if you attend the annual meeting and vote in person. If you are the beneficial owner of shares held in "street name" you must follow the instructions of your bank or broker in order to direct them on how to vote the shares held in your account. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted as present for purposes of establishing a quorum. If a quorum is not present, we will adjourn the annual meeting until a quorum is obtained.

6.    How can I vote at the annual meeting if I own shares in street name?

        If you are a street name holder, you may not vote your shares at the annual meeting unless you obtain a legal proxy from your bank or broker. A legal proxy is a bank's or broker's authorization for you to vote the shares it holds in its name on your behalf.

7.    What is the record date and what does it mean?

        The record date for the annual meeting is March 15, 2011 and was established by our board of directors. On the record date, there were 205,359,530 shares of our common stock entitled to vote. Owners of record of common stock at the close of business on the record date are entitled to:

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receive notice of the annual meeting; and



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vote at the annual meeting and any adjournment or postponement of the annual meeting.

8.    If I submit a proxy, may I later revoke it and/or change my vote?

        Shareholders may revoke a proxy and/or change their vote prior to the completion of voting at the annual meeting by:

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signing another proxy card with a later date and delivering it to our Secretary, Kenneth S. Boger, 130 Waverly Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, before the annual meeting; or



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voting at the annual meeting, if you are a shareholder of record or hold your shares in street name and have obtained a legal proxy from your bank or broker.

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9.    What if I do not specify a choice for a matter when returning a proxy?

        Shareholders should specify their choice for each matter following the directions described in the Notice or on their proxy card. If no specific instructions are given, proxies that are signed and returned will be voted:

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FOR the election of all director nominees



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FOR our executive compensation program



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FOR conducting future advisory votes on our executive compensation program EVERY YEAR



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FOR ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2011

10.    Are my shares voted if I do not provide a proxy?

        If you are a shareholder of record and do not provide a proxy, you must attend the annual meeting in order to vote. If you hold shares through an account with a bank or broker, your shares may be voted by the bank or broker if you do not provide voting instructions. Banks and brokers have the authority under applicable rules to vote shares on routine matters for which their customers do not provide voting instructions. The ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm is considered a routine matter. The election of directors and the votes regarding our executive compensation program are not considered routine, and banks and brokers cannot vote shares without instruction on those matters. Shares that banks and brokers are not authorized to vote on those matters are counted as "broker non-votes" and will have no effect on the results of those votes.

11.    What vote is required to approve each proposal and how are votes counted?

12.    Where can I find more information about my voting rights as a shareholder?

        The SEC recently created an informational website that provides shareholders with general information about how to cast their vote and why voting should be an important consideration for shareholders. You may access that website at sec.gov/spotlight/proxymatters.shtml.

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PROPOSAL 1:
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

        Our board of directors is divided into three classes, the Class I Directors, Class II Directors and Class III Directors, with one class elected each year. Members of each class hold office for a three-year term. Our board currently consists of nine members. Our by-laws provide that our board shall consist of at least three and not more than eleven members, as may be fixed from time to time by our board. The terms of the Class I Directors will expire at the 2011 annual meeting. Matthew W. Emmens and Dr. Wayne J. Riley, current Class I Directors, have been nominated by our board for re-election at the 2011 annual meeting for a three-year term that will expire at the 2014 annual meeting. In addition, our board has nominated Margaret G. McGlynn for election as a Class I Director. Dr. Stuart J.M. Collinson and Dr. Eugene H. Cordes, current Class I Directors, are not standing for re-election. The terms of the Class II Directors and Class III Directors will expire at the 2012 and 2013 annual meetings, respectively. If any of the nominees for election to our board should, for any reason, be unavailable to serve, proxies will be voted for such other candidate as may be designated by our board, unless our board reduces the number of directors. Our board has no reason to believe that Mr. Emmens, Dr. Riley or Ms. McGlynn will be unable to serve if elected.

        The corporate governance and nominating committee of our board of directors is responsible for recommending to our board of directors the composition, structure and procedures of our board and for developing criteria for board membership. This committee engages in a regular practice of reviewing director competencies, qualities and experiences, with the goal of ensuring that our board is comprised of an effective team of directors who are able to apply their experience toward meaningful contributions to general corporate strategy and oversight of corporate performance, risk management, organizational development and succession planning.

        Accordingly, the corporate governance and nominating committee seeks to recommend for nomination directors of stature who have a substantive knowledge of our business and industry or who can bring to the board specific and valuable strategic or management capabilities acquired in other industries. The corporate governance and nominating committee also seeks personal qualities that foster a respectful environment in which our directors listen to one another and are engaged and constructive. These goals for our board composition presuppose a diverse range of viewpoints, experiences and specific expertise. The corporate governance and nominating committee considers a nominee's personal characteristics and business experience relative to those of our existing board members, including the type of prior management experience, levels of expertise relevant to our business and its growth stage, prior board service, reputation in the business community, personal characteristics such as gender and race and other factors that the committee believes to be important at the specific point in time when choices for board membership are being made.

        The key experience, qualifications, attributes and skills brought by our directors to our board that are important in light of Vertex's business and structure include:

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Leadership experience.  We believe that directors who have held significant leadership positions over extended periods of time provide our company with special insights. These people generally have a practical understanding of organizational processes and strategy that is valuable during periods of organizational change and growth.



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Industry knowledge.  We seek to have directors with substantive knowledge of the biotechnology, pharmaceutical or related industries. We believe that having a substantial portion of our board of directors comprised of individuals with experience as executives or directors in these industries provides our board with the background necessary to counsel our management regarding the issues facing our company.

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Financial expertise.  We believe that an understanding of finance is important for our board of directors, and our budgeting processes and financial and strategic transactions require our directors to be financially knowledgeable. In addition, we seek to have a number of directors qualified to serve on our audit and finance committee and at least one director with in-depth knowledge of financial statements and financial reporting processes sufficient to qualify as an audit committee financial expert under relevant regulatory standards.



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Scientific experience.  As a biopharmaceutical company that seeks to be a leading innovator, we also look for directors with backgrounds in science and technology and in particular the research and development of pharmaceutical products.



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Commitment to company values and goals.  We seek directors who are committed to our company and its values and goals and who value the contributions that can be provided by individuals who believe in our company and its prospects for success.

        In each of the director nominee and director biographies that follow, we highlight the specific experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that led the board of directors to conclude that the director nominee or director should serve on our board of directors at this time.

Nominees

Class I Directors—Present Terms Expiring In 2011 And Proposed Terms To Expire In 2014

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Continuing Members of Our Board of Directors

Class II Directors—Terms Expiring in 2012

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Class III Directors—Terms Expiring In 2013

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Information Regarding Our Board

Our Board

        Our board of directors is our company's ultimate decision-making body except with respect to those matters reserved to the shareholders. Our board selects our senior management team, who in turn are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the company. Our board acts as an advisor and counselor to senior management and oversees its performance. Our board of directors met six times during 2010. Each of our director nominees and continuing directors attended 75% or more of the board meetings during 2010 that occurred while the director served on our board. Each member of our board is encouraged to attend annual shareholder meetings. All of the directors who were then members of the board attended the 2010 annual shareholder meeting.

Independence, Chairman and Lead Independent Director

        Our board has determined that seven of our nine directors qualify as "independent" under the definition of that term adopted by The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC. The directors who qualify as independent are Dr. Collinson, Dr. Cordes, Dr. Leiden, Dr. Riley, Mr. Sachs, Ms. Ullian and Mr. Winger.

        Our chief executive officer, Mr. Emmens, also serves as the chair of our board of directors. The chair is elected from time to time by majority vote of the directors then in office. It is our board's policy that any member of the board, including our executives, may serve as the chair of the board. Our board of directors believes at this time that the most effective leadership structure for Vertex is for Mr. Emmens to serve as both chair of the board and chief executive officer. In addition, our employment agreement with Mr. Emmens provides that he will be employed as the chair of the board through May 22, 2012.

        When the chair of the board is not an independent director, as is the case at the present, our independent directors elect a lead independent director. Dr. Leiden is our current lead independent director. In addition to his other responsibilities in calling and leading meetings of the independent directors, which occur on a regular basis, Dr. Leiden in his role as lead independent director serves as a liaison between our management and the independent directors. Dr. Leiden reviews the planned dates for regularly scheduled board meetings and the primary agenda items for each meeting. Mr. Emmens and Dr. Leiden work in tandem to ensure that items pertinent to the advisory and monitoring functions of the board are addressed on meeting agendas and are therefore brought to the board on a regular basis for review and/or decision. Dr. Leiden reviews with the chair of each board committee agenda items that fall within the scope of the responsibilities of that committee. The board believes that this structure allows Vertex to benefit from Mr. Emmens' strong leadership of the board of directors and in-depth knowledge of Vertex while ensuring that the board, through its lead independent director and majority of independent directors, provides effective and independent oversight of our senior management team and business.

Board Committees

        Our board of directors has four standing committees: the corporate governance and nominating committee, the audit and finance committee, the management development and compensation committee, which we refer to as the MDCC, and the science and technology committee. Each of the committees has the authority, as its members deem appropriate, to engage legal counsel or other experts or consultants in order to carry out the committee's responsibilities. Pursuant to our Statement of Corporate Governance Principles, our board has determined that each of the corporate governance and nominating committee, the audit and finance committee and the MDCC must consist solely of "independent directors," as that term is defined by the SEC and The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC. Each director who served on these committees during 2010 met this independence criteria. We select independent directors as members of these committees with the expectation that they will be free of relationships that might interfere with their exercise of independent judgment. Participation in the science and technology committee is not limited to independent directors.

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        The current members of our committees are:

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"Audit committee financial expert" as that term is defined in applicable regulations of the SEC.

Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee

        Pursuant to its charter, the corporate governance and nominating committee:

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assists our board of directors in developing and implementing our corporate governance principles;



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determines the size and composition of our board and its committees;



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monitors a process to assess the effectiveness of our board;



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recommends director compensation;



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identifies qualified individuals to become members of our board; and



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recommends director nominations to the full board.

        In 2010, the corporate governance and nominating committee met nine times, and each of the members attended at least 75% of the committee meetings that occurred while the member served on the committee.

        The corporate governance and nominating committee may consider director candidates recommended by shareholders, as well as recommendations from other sources, such as other directors or officers, third-party search firms or other appropriate sources. Generally, if a shareholder wishes to propose a candidate for consideration as a nominee by the corporate governance and nominating committee, the shareholder should submit any pertinent information regarding the candidate, including biographical information and a statement by the proposed candidate that he or she is willing to serve if nominated and elected, by mail to our corporate secretary at our offices at 130 Waverly Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139. If a shareholder wishes to nominate a candidate to be considered for election as a director at the 2012 annual meeting of shareholders using the procedures set forth in our by-laws, the shareholder must follow the procedures described in "Shareholder Proposals for the 2012 Annual Meeting and Nominations for Director" on page 59 of this proxy statement. In general, persons recommended to the corporate governance and nominating committee by shareholders will be considered on the same basis as candidates from other sources.

Audit and Finance Committee

        Pursuant to its charter, the primary purposes of the audit and finance committee are to:

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assist our board in fulfilling its responsibility for oversight of the quality and integrity of our accounting, auditing and financial reporting practices; and

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review and make recommendations to our board concerning our financial structure and financing strategy.

In addition, our audit and finance committee focuses on the qualitative aspects of our financial reporting to shareholders, on our processes to manage business and financial risk and on compliance with significant applicable legal, ethical and regulatory requirements relating to our financial operations. Our independent registered public accounting firm reports directly to, and is held accountable to by, our audit and finance committee in connection with the audit of our annual financial statements and related services. Our audit and finance committee has sole authority over the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of our independent registered public accounting firm, and where appropriate, the replacement of that firm.

        In 2010, the audit and finance committee met seven times, and each member of the audit and finance committee attended at least 75% of the committee meetings that occurred while the member served on the committee. The report of the audit and finance committee appears beginning on page 17 of this proxy statement.

MDCC

        Pursuant to its charter, our MDCC:

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recommends to our full board the amount, character and method of payment of compensation of all of our executive officers;



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provides advice on management's plans for the succession of our executives; and



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administers our stock and option plans and employee stock purchase plan.

The MDCC has the authority to delegate any of its responsibilities to individual members of the MDCC to the extent deemed appropriate by the MDCC in its sole discretion, but subject always to the general oversight of the board of directors.

        See Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and Analysis below for a discussion of the MDCC's role in recommending executive compensation.

        In 2010, the MDCC met five times, and each member of the MDCC attended at least 75% of the committee meetings that occurred while the member served on the MDCC. The report of the MDCC appears at page 31 of this proxy statement.

Science and Technology Committee

        The science and technology committee discharges our board's responsibilities relating to the oversight of our investment in pharmaceutical research and development. In furtherance of that oversight function, the science and technology committee:

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reviews and assesses our current and planned research and development programs and technology initiatives from a scientific perspective;



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assesses the capabilities of our key scientific personnel and the depth and breadth of our scientific resources;



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provides strategic advice to our board regarding emerging science and technology issues and trends; and



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periodically reviews our patent portfolio and strategy.

        In 2010, the science and technology committee met three times, and each member of the science and technology committee attended at least 75% of the committee meetings that occurred while the member served on the committee.

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Corporate Governance Principles

        Our governance practices are documented in our Statement of Corporate Governance Principles, which addresses the role and composition of our board and the functioning of the board and the committees of our board. You can learn more about our current corporate governance principles and review our Statement of Corporate Governance Principles, committee charters, and Code of Conduct and Ethics at www.vrtx.com under "Finances/Investor Info—Corporate Governance—Governance Documents."

Risk Management

        Our board of directors discharges its overall responsibility to oversee risk management with a focus on our most significant risks. With respect to each of our drug development and commercialization programs, we face considerable risk that the program will not ultimately result in a commercially successful pharmaceutical product. While our top priority is to successfully obtain approval for and commercialize telaprevir and we also are focused on completing development of and commercializing VX-770, we continue to invest significant resources in research programs and early-stage and mid-stage clinical development programs as part of our strategy to develop drug candidates in therapeutic areas with significant unmet need. Our board and its committees monitor and manage the strategic and operational risks related to our research and development programs through regular board and committee discussions that include presentations to the board and its committees by our executive officers as well as during in-depth short-and long-term strategic reviews held at least annually.

        For certain specific risk types, our board of directors has delegated oversight responsibility to board committees as follows:

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Our audit and finance committee oversees our risk policies and processes related to quality and integrity of our accounting, auditing and financial reporting practices, including our audited and unaudited financial statements and internal controls. The audit and finance committee focuses on our financial structure and financing strategy and reviews and makes recommendations to our board with respect to liquidity risks. The audit and finance committee also is responsible for addressing risks arising from related party transactions.



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Our MDCC monitors the risks associated with our compensation policies and management resources, structure, succession planning, development and selection processes.



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Our corporate governance and nominating committee oversees risks related to the company's governance structure and litigation exposure.

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Policy with Respect to the Election of Directors

        Our board's policy with respect to the election of directors by shareholders is that any nominee for director in an uncontested election who receives a greater number of votes "withheld" than votes "for" the nominee's election should promptly tender his or her resignation to the chair of our board following certification of the shareholder vote. Our corporate governance and nominating committee will promptly consider the tendered resignation. Based on all factors it deems in its discretion to be relevant, the committee will recommend that our board either accept or reject the resignation and may recommend that the board adopt measures designed to address any issues perceived to underlie the election results. Our board will then act on the corporate governance and nominating committee's recommendation. Following our board's decision on the corporate governance and nominating committee's recommendation, we will promptly disclose our board's decision, including, if applicable, the reasons for rejecting the tendered resignation. Any director whose resignation is being considered under this policy will not participate in the corporate governance and nominating committee or board considerations, recommendations or actions with respect to the tendered resignation.

Board Recommendation

        Our board of directors recommends you vote FOR the election of each of the nominees to the board. A plurality of the votes cast in person or by proxy at the annual meeting is required to elect each nominee as director.

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PROPOSAL 2:
APPROVAL OF OUR EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM

        Our compensation programs are intended to reward our executive officers for the achievement of short-term and long-term strategic and operational goals, while at the same time we seek to avoid encouraging inappropriate or excessive risk-taking. Our board and the MDCC believes that our executive compensation programs are effective in closely aligning the interests of our executive officers with the interests of our shareholders and paying for performance. As a result, our board recommends that our shareholders vote for the resolution set forth below, commonly referred to as a "say-on-pay" resolution.

        Our executive compensation program is discussed in greater detail in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section beginning on page 19 of this proxy statement. In that section, we discuss our executive compensation policies and programs and explain the compensation decisions relating to our named executive officers for 2010. In addition, the compensation tables and related narratives, which begin on page 32 of this proxy statement, provide additional information regarding the compensation received by our named executive officers for 2010.

        We are presenting the following proposal, which gives you as a shareholder the opportunity to endorse or not endorse our executive compensation program by voting for or against the following resolution:

RESOLVED, that the shareholders approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers, as disclosed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables and the related narrative executive compensation disclosures contained in this proxy statement.

        While the vote on this resolution is advisory in nature, and therefore will not bind us to take any particular action, our MDCC and board intend to consider carefully the shareholder vote resulting from the proposal in making future decisions regarding our executive compensation program.            

Board Recommendation

        Our board of directors recommends that you vote FOR the approval of the resolution set forth above. The affirmative vote by the holders of a majority of the votes cast in person or by proxy on this matter is required for the approval of this proposal.

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PROPOSAL 3:
FREQUENCY OF FUTURE ADVISORY VOTES ON OUR
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM

        In this proposal, we are asking our shareholders to vote on whether future advisory votes on executive compensation, similar to proposal 2 contained in this proxy statement, should occur every year, every two years or every three years. While this say-on-pay frequency vote is advisory in nature and therefore will not bind us to adopt any particular frequency, our board intends to consider carefully the shareholder vote resulting from this proposal in determining how frequently we will hold "say-on-pay" votes.

        Our board has determined that an annual advisory vote on executive compensation will allow our shareholders to provide timely, direct input on our executive compensation philosophy, policies and practices as disclosed in the proxy statement each year. In determining to recommend that shareholders vote for a frequency of once per year, our board considered how an advisory vote at this frequency might over-emphasize short-term variations in compensation and business results, particularly in our industry, where a long-term focus for our executive compensation program is required because it can take from 10-15 years to bring a product from inception through to commercialization. On balance, however, our board has determined that the advantages of receiving regular and prompt feedback from our shareholders on our executive compensation program outweigh this concern at this time.

Board Recommendation

        Our board of directors recommends that you vote for ANNUAL shareholder advisory votes on our executive compensation program. The recommendation that receives a plurality of the votes cast in person or by proxy at the annual meeting will be adopted.

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PROPOSAL 4:
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

        Our audit and finance committee is responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of our independent registered public accounting firm. Our audit and finance committee appointed Ernst & Young LLP to perform the independent audit, review and attestation services with respect to our financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 and has appointed Ernst & Young LLP to perform these services for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011.

        If this proposal is not approved at the annual meeting, our audit and finance committee will reconsider the selection of Ernst & Young LLP for the ensuing fiscal year, but may determine that continued retention of Ernst & Young LLP is in our company's and our shareholders' best interests. Even if the appointment is ratified, the audit and finance committee, in its discretion, may direct the appointment of a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in our company's and our shareholders' best interests.

        We expect representatives of Ernst & Young LLP to be present at the annual meeting. They will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and will also be available to respond to appropriate questions from shareholders.

Board Recommendation

        Our board of directors recommends that you vote FOR ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2011. The affirmative vote by the holders of a majority of the votes cast in person or by proxy on this matter is required for the approval of this proposal.

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Policy on Audit and Finance Committee Pre-approval of Audit and Permissible Non-audit Services of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

        Our audit and finance committee has established a policy to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm. Prior to the engagement of the firm for each year's audit, management submits to our audit and finance committee for approval a description of services expected to be rendered during that year for each of the following four categories of services and a budget for those services in the aggregate.

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Audit services include audit work performed in the preparation of financial statements, as well as work that generally only our independent registered public accounting firm can reasonably be expected to provide, including comfort letters, statutory audits, consents and attestation services.



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Audit-related services are for assurance and related services that traditionally are performed by the independent registered public accounting firm, including due diligence related to mergers and acquisitions, employee benefit plan audits, special procedures required to meet certain regulatory requirements and consultation regarding financial accounting and/or reporting standards.



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Tax services include all services performed by the independent registered public accounting firm's tax personnel except those services specifically related to the audit of our financial statements, and include fees in the areas of tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice.



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All other fees are those associated with services not captured in the three preceding categories.

        Prior to the engagement of our independent registered public accounting firm, our audit and finance committee pre-approves these services by category of service. The fees are budgeted and our audit and

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finance committee requires the independent registered public accounting firm and management to report actual fees versus the budget periodically throughout the year by category of service. During the year, circumstances may arise when it may become necessary to engage the independent registered public accounting firm for additional services not contemplated in the original pre-approval. In those instances, our audit and finance committee requires that we obtain its specific pre-approval for these services.

        The audit and finance committee may delegate pre-approval authority to one or more of its members. The member to whom such authority is delegated must report any pre-approval decisions to our audit and finance committee at its next scheduled meeting.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees

        Aggregate fees billed to us for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 by Ernst & Young LLP were as follows:

        "Audit fees" represented the aggregate fees billed to us for professional services rendered for the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements, and our internal controls over financial reporting, for the reviews of the consolidated financial statements included in our Form 10-Q filings for each fiscal quarter, for statutory audits of our international operations, consents, preparation of comfort letters and providing consents with respect to registration statements.

        "Audit-related fees" consisted principally of fees for accounting consultations and in 2009 included consultations regarding our acquisition of ViroChem Pharma Inc.

        "Tax fees" consisted of fees related to tax compliance, worldwide tax planning and tax advice.

        "All other fees" consisted of licensing fees paid to Ernst & Young LLP for access to its proprietary accounting research database and fees related to real estate services.

        None of the services set forth above in the categories "audit-related fees," "tax fees" and "all other fees" were approved by our audit and finance committee pursuant to Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C), which relates to the approval of a de minimis amount of non-audit services after the fact but before completion of the audit.

AUDIT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT

        The Audit and Finance Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Audit Committee") of Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (the "Company"), which consists entirely of directors who meet the independence and experience requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission and The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, has furnished the following report:

        The Audit Committee assists the Company's Board of Directors in overseeing and monitoring the integrity of the Company's financial reporting process, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements related to financial reporting and the quality of internal and external audit processes. The committee's roles and responsibilities are set forth in a written charter, which is available on the Company's website www.vrtx.com under "Finances/Investor Info—Corporate Governance—Governance Documents." Among its duties, the Audit Committee is responsible for recommending to the Company's Board of Directors that

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the Company's financial statements be included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K. As a basis for that recommendation, the Audit Committee engaged in the following activities. First, the Audit Committee discussed with Ernst & Young LLP ("Ernst & Young"), the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for 2010, those matters that Ernst & Young is required to communicate to and discuss with the Audit Committee by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) Auditing Standard AU Section 380 (The Auditor's Communication With Those Charged With Governance), which included information regarding the scope and results of the audit. These communications and discussions are intended to assist the Audit Committee in overseeing the financial reporting and disclosure process. Second, the Audit Committee discussed with Ernst & Young the firm's independence, and received from Ernst & Young the written disclosures and the letter concerning independence as required by Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Ethics and Independence Rule 3526 (Communication with Audit Committees Concerning Independence). This discussion and disclosure informed the Audit Committee of Ernst & Young's relationships with the Company and was designed to assist the Audit Committee in considering Ernst & Young's independence. Finally, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed, with Ernst & Young and with the Company's management, the Company's audited consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2010, and the Company's consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2010, including the notes thereto.

        Management of the Company is responsible for the consolidated financial statements and reporting process, including establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)); establishing and maintaining internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)); evaluating the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures; evaluating the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting; and evaluating any change in internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of these consolidated financial statements with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, as well as expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.

        During 2010, management tested and evaluated the Company's system of internal control over financial reporting in response to the requirements set forth in Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related regulations. At the conclusion of the process, management provided the Audit Committee with a report on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting, which the Audit Committee reviewed. The Audit Committee also reviewed the report of management contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as Ernst & Young's Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K. The latter reports relate to Ernst & Young's audit of (i) the consolidated financial statements and (ii) the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.

        Based on the discussions with Ernst & Young concerning the audit, the independence discussions, and the discussions with the Company's management and Ernst & Young concerning the financial statements, and such other matters deemed relevant and appropriate by the Audit Committee, the Audit Committee recommended to the Company's Board of Directors that the consolidated financial statements be included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. This report is provided by the following independent directors, who comprise the Audit Committee:

Dennis L. Winger (Chair)
Stuart J. M. Collinson
Bruce I. Sachs
Elaine S. Ullian

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Executive Summary

        We are in the business of discovering, developing and commercializing small molecule drugs for the treatment of serious diseases. Our core purpose is to innovate to transform lives with new medicines, which we believe will create long-term value for our shareholders. Our goal is to be a biopharmaceutical company with industry-leading capabilities in research, development and commercialization of innovative drugs. We are in a period of rapid growth because we not only are preparing for the expected launch and commercialization of telaprevir, our lead drug candidate for the treatment of HCV infection, but also are pursuing late-stage development of VX-770, our drug candidate for the treatment of CF in patients with a specific form of the gene mutation that causes CF.

        Our philosophy is that the compensation paid to executives should closely align the interests of our executive officers with the interests of our shareholders. Our compensation programs are intended to attract, retain and motivate talented experienced leaders and reward our executive officers for the achievement of short-term and long-term strategic and operational goals, while at the same time we seek to avoid encouraging inappropriate or excessive risk-taking. Our executive officers' total compensation is comprised of a mix of base salary, annual cash incentives and long-term incentive awards that include both time-based stock options and performance-based restricted stock awards, and reflect a balance of elements so that a significant portion is bonus or equity-based and therefore "at-risk," to better align our executives' financial interests with the interests of our shareholders. We regularly review our compensation philosophy, elements and amounts, and make adjustments as changing circumstances require.

        The market for experienced and capable pharmaceutical executives at this stage of our growth is very competitive. Many of the pharmaceutical companies with which we compete for executive talent are much larger and better financed than we are, with longer corporate histories, and thus may appear to potential executives to provide better employment security than we do. In order to attract and retain executives in this market, we use shorter-term compensation elements that rival those of our competitors, such as base salary, a performance-based annual cash bonus opportunity, and a generous benefits program. Our equity compensation program is intended to provide a significant return to our executives if we are successful in becoming a fully-capable pharmaceutical company. We also have entered into contracts providing for severance and change-of-control payments with each of the members of our executive team because we believe that they are a fair and effective way to allow our executives to maintain focus on our business in the face of market and other volatility in our industry.

        We believe that the integrity of our compensation decisions is dependent on the quality of the underlying decision-making processes utilized in making compensation judgments. For this reason, we have adopted a number of practices designed to ensure that the decision-makers act independently and on the basis of complete and relevant information. All compensation decisions are adopted by our full board of directors on the basis of recommendations from the MDCC (except that Mr. Emmens does not participate in decisions with respect to his own compensation). The MDCC routinely reviews compensation information from companies it chooses as comparators, as well as industry surveys; refers to tally sheets that provide information about the total compensation of each executive officer and the effect of any compensation decision on that total; considers information compiled for it by its independent compensation consultant, Meridian Compensation Partners, when requested on a periodic basis; and reviews all other information it deems relevant.

        We had a very successful year in 2010, despite the scientific, technical, logistical, competitive and regulatory challenges involved in advancing our first pharmaceutical product toward the market. We completed the registration program for telaprevir and filed an NDA with the FDA in a timely fashion, while advancing the registration program for VX-770 and several other earlier-stage clinical programs for

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drug candidates in various medical indications. We also prepared for the expected telaprevir launch by implementing related commercial, manufacturing, regulatory compliance, patient safety and other programs, and continued to maintain our research productivity and organizational and financial strength. These successes positioned the company for long-term growth and increased shareholder value. The achievement of these difficult operational goals served as a key factor in determining compensation for 2010, including the award of annual bonuses and equity awards at significantly above-target levels for all the named executive officers, and at the maximum possible level for our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer.

        Long-term equity-based incentive compensation continues to make up the majority of the compensation for our named executive officers. Annual restricted stock awards to our executive officers in early 2011 with performance accelerated vesting factors reflected our practice of incorporating such features into our compensation program, with the goal of advancing our longer-range strategic plan. These "performance-accelerated restricted stock," or PARS, will vest on an accelerated basis if we meet specified telaprevir sales levels in the initial period after launch, succeed in obtaining approval for an HCV therapy that incorporates our investigational HCV polymerase inhibitor VX-222, obtain marketing approval for VX-770 in both the United States and European Union, and/or initiate a pivotal clinical trial in an additional disease area.

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Detailed Analysis and Discussion

Elements of Annual Compensation

        The elements of our annual executive compensation program are base salary, annual cash bonus, stock option grants, restricted stock grants, and benefits available to all our employees, including health insurance, matching payments under our 401(k) plan and payment of life insurance premiums. Each year we review the balance of the elements of our executive compensation program to ensure that they are appropriately designed in light of our goals of aligning the program with our shareholders' interests, the competitive environment and our business strategy. We expect that we may adjust our approach to some or all of these elements over time as our company and our business evolve.

Base Salary

        The MDCC recommends base salaries for each of our executive officers on the basis of a market analysis, on a position-by-position basis. Annually, the MDCC reviews tables showing a comparison of each executive's prior year base salary and bonus opportunity, at the target level, to salaries and bonuses reported for executives with similar responsibilities at specified comparator companies. For a discussion of our practices in selecting comparator companies, the identity of our comparator companies, and our use of comparative compensation data, see the discussion below under the heading Compensation Decision-Making Process—Analysis of Compensation Practices of Comparator Companies. We do not benchmark to a particular level of compensation relative to compensation levels at the comparator companies, but rather, make a subjective judgment about where each executive should fall in comparison with executives with similar responsibilities at the comparator companies, taking into account the executive's general level of experience and capability, the significance of his or her job responsibilities to achievement of our business strategy and company goals, and general performance over time, including demonstration of the values and desirable behaviors under our core values program. On the basis of that information, and taking into consideration the executive's base salary for the previous year, the MDCC independently determines an appropriate salary for each executive officer, subject to final approval by our board of directors.

        In early 2010, the MDCC recommended that the named executive officers' base salaries be increased by 3% to account for increases in the cost-of-living, with the intention of further reviewing base salary levels later in the year when relevant executive compensation data from comparator companies for the prior year became available. In July 2010, the MDCC conducted such a review of the base salaries for the named executive officers and recommended increases in Mr. Smith's base salary to $510,000 and in Mr. Boger's base salary to $450,000. In October 2010, the MDCC recommended that Mr. Sachdev's base salary be increased to $400,000, in connection with his additional assignment to build and manage our Canadian commercial operations. In February 2011, a 3% cost-of-living salary increase for the named executive officers resulted in establishment of base salaries for 2011 as follows: Mr. Emmens, $1,166,990; Mr. Smith, $525,300; Dr. Mueller, $583,495; Mr. Boger, $463,500 and Mr. Sachdev, $412,000.

Performance-Based Elements of Compensation—Annual Cash Bonus and Equity Awards

        Two of the principal elements of our executive compensation program—annual cash bonus and annual equity grants—are awarded in amounts determined on the basis of performance, which is evaluated annually. The annual cash bonus is determined based on a formula that incorporates the executive's base salary, target bonus and separate company-wide and individual performance ratings for the completed year. Annual equity award amounts are determined on the basis of the executive's individual performance rating.

        At the beginning of each calendar year, our board of directors, in consultation with our chief executive officer, establishes company-wide goals for that year. Actual company performance against these goals is the most important factor considered by the board in assessing our corporate performance, but our board

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also considers all other factors it deems relevant at the time of its evaluation. At year-end, the board assigns a performance rating intended to reflect performance at one of the following levels:

        Although the directors discuss and analyze our performance as a group, each director makes his or her own judgment about which factors are important, and how to weight those factors in reaching a conclusion.

        2010 Company Rating—The company rating for performance in 2010 was "leading." For 2010, the board of directors set company goals and assigned relative weights that reflected our operational, strategic and financial objectives for the year. Our 2010 weighted goals and the year-end score assigned by the board were as follows:

        In its analysis, the board considered the following:

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Late-Stage Development and Establishment of Commercial Organization—In 2010, we successfully completed our registration program for telaprevir and submitted the NDA for telaprevir to the FDA in a very timely fashion. We prepared our initial marketing and contracting strategies, implemented company-wide compliance programs, expanded our commercial infrastructure and

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established an inventory of drug product to support a potential mid-2011 launch of telaprevir. Concurrently, we completed enrollment in our registration program for VX-770 and ensured our readiness to prepare regulatory filings in the United States and European Union for VX-770 in 2011.

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Development Pipeline Growth—In 2010, we initiated Phase 2a clinical trials in patients with epilepsy and rheumatoid arthritis and Phase 2a clinical trials of combination treatment regimens for both HCV patients and CF patients, although not always on the timelines that were anticipated at the beginning of the year. In assigning a score of 13% out of a possible 15%, the board took into consideration that such course changes and even failures in research and development are an expected part of the innovative research and development process, and determined that the company should be partially credited for executing activities that were properly conceived and resulted in clear scientific findings, even if some of these results were not positive.



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Research Productivity—In 2010, our scientific research organization produced several early-stage proprietary molecules suitable for further study.



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Organizational Strength—In 2010, we hired executives with extensive commercial expertise and expanded our systems and processes in order to support both the potential launch of telaprevir in the United States and Canada in 2011 and the continued growth of the company in future years. We significantly expanded our commercial organization, hiring experienced executives with specific expertise in pharmaceutical sales and marketing as well as regulatory compliance, and in working with third-party payors. In addition, we positioned ourselves to enter into a lease in 2011 that will allow us to consolidate our Massachusetts operations into a single headquarters located in Boston.



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Financial Strength—At the end of 2010, we had approximately $1.0 billion in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, and during 2010 we managed our net loss from operations, excluding stock-based compensation expense, to approximately $605 million.

Annual Cash Bonus

        The annual cash bonus paid to each of the executive officers is calculated by multiplying the executive officer's target bonus by both the company and the individual performance factors, in accordance with the following formula:

        Target Bonus/Individual Incentive Targets:    Individual incentive targets are assigned on the basis of responsibility level, and are higher for positions of greater responsibility. Thus, a greater portion of annual cash compensation is at-risk for our executives than for our other employees, reflecting our policy that a significant portion of executive compensation should be performance-based and at-risk.

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        For 2010, the individual incentive targets for the executive officers were:

        The individual incentive targets were established, and are reviewed annually, by the MDCC based on available data about comparator company compensation. As a result of its review in 2010, the MDCC concluded that the aggregate cash compensation—base salary plus target bonus—was in the appropriate range for each of the executive officers, and made no change to the individual incentive targets for 2010 from the prior year.

        Performance Factors:    Each executive's annual bonus amount is determined by adjusting his or her target bonus by performance factors based on both the company and individual performance ratings. These adjustments allow for payouts significantly above the target bonus in a year where both the individual executive and Vertex significantly exceed performance expectations, and awards significantly below the target bonus in years in which Vertex and/or the executive falls short of performance expectations.

        Company Performance Factors.    When our board of directors assigns a performance rating for the completed year, it also assigns a company performance factor for each of our executives. These possible company ratings and corresponding company performance factor ranges are set forth in the table below.

        On the basis of the company's "leading" rating and 98% total score for 2010, discussed above, our board assigned a company performance factor for our executives of 150%.

        Individual Performance Factors.    The possible individual ratings and corresponding individual performance factor ranges for our executive officers are set forth in the table below:

        The MDCC evaluates executives' individual performances on a "results-based, values-tempered" basis, which takes into account not only "what" was accomplished, but "how" it was accomplished. The results-based component evaluates the executive officer's performance in his or her individual role and as a leader of our company in achieving our objectives. The possible individual results-based performance ratings are "leading," "strong," "building" or "not building," with standards comparable to the company ratings set forth in the table above. The values-tempered component of the individual evaluations builds upon our three company core values: "innovation is our lifeblood;" "fearless pursuit of excellence;" and "we wins." Under our Values Into Practice program, we expect all employees to demonstrate our company

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core values in all aspects of job performance. We further expect that our executives will be stewards of our core values, and the performance ratings assigned to them incorporate our board's assessment of the strength of their leadership with respect to, and demonstration of, values-based behavior. This evaluation results in ratings of "not demonstrating," "living the values" or "exemplary demonstration." The possible performance ratings under this program are as set forth in the following table.

        The 2010 results-based rating recommendation for each named executive officer is the combined result of the committee members' observations and review of the officer's role in the accomplishment of the corporate goals, and factors and recommendations provided to the MDCC by our chief executive officer, Mr. Emmens, made on the basis of Mr. Emmens' independent assessment of each executive officer's performance. The MDCC and Mr. Emmens discussed the recommendations at length, on both an individual-by-individual basis, and on a comparative basis. Upon completion of these discussions, the MDCC finalized its recommendation for the results-based rating for each executive, taking into account Mr. Emmens' recommendations, factors considered in the discussions, and the opinions of committee members based on the executive's contributions and the members' interactions with the executive. When considering the more subjective values-based rating, the MDCC also discussed Mr. Emmens' recommendations, giving them greater weight than for the results-based rating, because the values-based rating is pertinent to the executive's daily interactions in carrying out his or her duties, and the MDCC believes that in his role as CEO, Mr. Emmens has greater visibility than the committee members into the quality of these interactions.

        Noting the company's "leading" rating for 2010, and the corresponding company performance factor of 150%, the board of directors similarly rated Mr. Emmens' leadership in achieving this success in 2010 as "leading." With respect to the values component, the board of directors believes that Mr. Emmens is an exceptional leader who exhibits exemplary values-based behavior, and accordingly, assigned Mr. Emmens a values-based rating of "exemplary demonstration."

        On the basis of the factors described above, the MDCC recommended, and the board of directors approved, results-based and values-based ratings, and annual bonus awards, for each of the named executive officers for 2010 performance as set forth below:

Annual Equity Awards

        Equity awards are granted under our 2006 Stock and Option Plan, or 2006 Plan, to all eligible employees, including the named executive officers, for the purpose of creating a link between compensation and shareholder return, and to provide the named executive officers and employees with the opportunity to develop and maintain a significant stock ownership position in our company that will act

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through delayed vesting as an incentive for the employee to remain employed by us. The number of shares awarded increases with increased responsibility and with higher year-end individual performance ratings. Grants to employees are made under a shareholder-approved stock and option plan. All annual stock option awards are granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value on the date of grant, which under our 2006 Plan is determined by averaging the high and low price of our common stock on the date of grant, and vest quarterly over four years. Accordingly, the intrinsic value of any stock option grant is proportional to both the increase in fair market value of the stock between grant and exercise, and to the increasing number of vested shares over time.

        Each of the named executive officers is eligible annually for a combined grant of stock options and restricted stock, in amounts recommended by the MDCC and ultimately determined by the board of directors during the annual performance review process. We grant stock options in part as a retention tool, progressively rewarding an executive for time-in-service. Stock options also serve to motivate executives to achieve company successes that are aligned with shareholder interests, because stock options have realizable value only if the value of our common stock increases after the grant date. Generally, our board of directors has awarded a mid-year equity grant at its regularly scheduled summer meeting. At this time, our board makes equity awards to all eligible employees, including executive officers, in an amount that is 50% of the number of shares for which the employee would be eligible assuming a "strong" performance. This grant is considered part of the annual equity award related to performance in that year. Upon completion of the individual's annual performance evaluation early in the following year each employee typically receives a second option award. At that time, we determine the aggregate number of shares to be awarded on the basis of the employee's individual performance rating for the entire year subtract the amount granted in the mid-year award, and award the balance. Additional information regarding our equity grant practices is set forth under the heading Compensation Decision-Making Process—Equity Grant Practices.

        Our executive officers also are eligible for a PARS award after the year-end performance review. Restricted stock grants serve principally as a retention tool, because they have value that is not limited, as is the case with stock options, to any increase over the prevailing stock price on the date of grant. Restricted stock grants also are linked to performance, however, in the sense that they are more valuable if the stock price increases, and because they vest sooner if the performance-based accelerators are achieved. All restricted stock awards made to our named executive officers under our annual program are issued at par value, or $0.01, and vest on the fourth anniversary of the grant date, subject to accelerated vesting for certain performance-based factors. In February 2011, when the 2010 performance review was finalized, the board of directors awarded restricted stock grants to each of the named executive officers that vest on the fourth anniversary of the grant date, subject to accelerated vesting of half of the shares if we obtain marketing approval in the United States and the European Union for VX-770 or we achieve greater than $1.0 billion of aggregate telaprevir net sales in the United States during the 18-month period commencing on the date of the first commercial telaprevir sale in the United States. The remaining half of the shares vest if (i) we receive written filing confirmation from the FDA for an NDA that we submit for an HCV treatment regimen that includes both telaprevir and VX-222; (ii) we administer the first dose to a patient in the United States in a pivotal clinical trial for a drug candidate for which we have United States commercialization rights, in an indication that is not HCV infection or CF; or (iii) we achieve greater than $2.0 billion of aggregate telaprevir net sales in the United States during the 18-month period commencing on the date of the first commercial telaprevir sale in the United States. These "performance accelerators" were tailored to reflect the company's long-range operational and strategic objectives and to reward future success upon their achievement.

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        For 2010 performance, the executive officers were eligible for equity grants in the amounts below:

        In 2010, the MDCC reviewed the equity grant opportunities for our executive officers as set forth above, and concluded that they are appropriate in light of the company's executive compensation and philosophy as stated above. Equity awards made to the named executive officers in 2010 included an award in February 2010, on the basis of 2009 performance, and a mid-year award of 50% of the stock options for which the executive would be eligible (as described in the table above) if the executive's year-end rating was "strong." The final equity awards made to the named executive officers for 2010 performance were made in February 2011, on the basis of the performance ratings and in amounts as set forth under the heading Compensation and Equity Tables—Stock Awards and Option Awards.

Benefits

        Our executives are eligible to participate in all benefits programs on the terms made generally available to our employees, including medical insurance, dental insurance, payment of life insurance premiums, disability coverage, and participation in our employee stock purchase plan. Our retirement benefits are limited to a defined contribution—a 401(k)—plan, in which our named executive officers are eligible to participate, subject to all applicable limitations under the plan. We make matching contributions to the 401(k) plan, which are made in the form of fully vested unitized interests in a Vertex common stock fund, and are subject to certain limitations. The formula for determining the amount of our matching contributions is the same for our named executive officers as for our other employees (and are subject to the same statutory maximum), but the actual contributions made to the accounts of our named executive officers are at the top end of the range, due generally to the executives' higher salaries and correspondingly higher cash contribution levels. We do not provide any other retirement benefits to our executive officers.

Other-Than-Annual Compensation Arrangements

        Employment Agreements and Post-Termination Compensation and Benefits.    The initial compensation terms for newly hired members of our executive team are the result of negotiations between us, in consultation with the MDCC and our board, and the executive being recruited. Accordingly, the initial employment terms for each of the named executive officers vary significantly because they take into account both our interests and the executive's interests under the circumstances at the time of negotiation, and depend on the level of job responsibility, the market for the executive's services, the value of other opportunities then available to the executive and similar considerations. Executives who join us from other companies may sacrifice potential bonuses and/or equity payouts, and may request compensation elements of similar value. More experienced individuals may seek higher compensation than individuals who are still establishing their careers. We seek to balance the need to be competitive in a competitive market against the need for the executive's compensation to be comparable with the executive's peers at the company. In general, each newly hired executive enters into an employment agreement and a change of control agreement and is awarded a stock option and a restricted stock grant, and in some cases a cash sign-on bonus, reimbursement of moving expenses, and other benefits. We also enter into employment and change of control agreements with executives who are promoted to the executive level, on the basis of standard terms and conditions that have been established by our board of directors for such circumstances. We have

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entered into agreements providing for severance and change-of-control payments with each of the members of our executive team, including all of the named executive officers, because we believe that they are a fair and effective way to allow our executives to maintain focus on our business in the face of market and other volatility in our industry.

        In general, each employment arrangement provides for cash severance and continuation of certain employee benefits in the event that an executive's employment is terminated without cause or is terminated by the executive for good reason. We use a "double trigger" with respect to benefits that are to be provided in connection with a change of control. A change of control does not itself trigger benefits; rather, benefits are paid only if the employment of the executive is terminated by us other than for cause, death or disability or by the executive for good reason during a specified period before or after a change of control. We believe a "double trigger" benefit maximizes shareholder value because it prevents a windfall to executives in the event of a change of control in which the executive retains significant responsibility as defined in his or her individual agreement, while still providing our executives appropriate incentives to cooperate in negotiating any change of control that may put their jobs at risk.

        In addition to the benefits that only accrue in connection with a change of control, our agreements with certain of the named executive officers provide benefits if we terminate their employment with us without cause or they terminate their employment with us for good reason, as such terms are defined in the applicable agreement with the executive officer. A further discussion of the terms and projected payments under each of these agreements is set forth below under the heading Employment Contracts and Change of Control Arrangements.

        Supplemental Grants of Equity Compensation.    On an occasional basis, the MDCC has recommended that our board of directors make an additional, off-cycle equity award to an executive officer or group of officers in order to achieve one or more of the objectives of our executive compensation program. Supplemental grants generally are made on an ad hoc basis, when warranted in the judgment of the MDCC and our board. In 2010, our board of directors determined that the existing compensation and awards paid to the named executive officers were sufficient to achieve the objectives of our compensation program, and did not make any supplemental awards to our named executive officers. We cannot predict if the board will make additional supplemental grants in the future, or characterize the likely size and/or terms of any such grants.

Compensation Decision-Making Process

Role of MDCC and Chief Executive Officer in Setting Executive Compensation

        The MDCC has primary responsibility for advising our board of directors with respect to developing and evaluating potential candidates for executive positions, including the chief executive officer, and for overseeing the development of executive succession plans. As part of this responsibility, the MDCC oversees the design, development and implementation of the compensation program for the chief executive officer and the other named executive officers.

        The MDCC evaluates the performance of our chief executive officer and recommends to our board for its approval all compensation elements and amounts to be awarded to our chief executive officer. Our chief executive officer Mr. Emmens does not participate in board decisions relating to his compensation.

        The MDCC also assesses the performance of the other executive officers and recommends their compensation elements and amounts to our board. Our chief executive officer and our senior vice president, human resources, assist the MDCC in reaching compensation recommendations with respect to executive officers, including the named executive officers other than the chief executive officer. The other named executive officers do not play a role in their own compensation determination. Joshua Boger does not participate in decisions with respect to the compensation of his brother, Kenneth S. Boger. Our board makes all final compensation decisions with respect to our executive officers.

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Role of Compensation Consultant

        Neither the company nor the MDCC has a standing contractual arrangement with any compensation consultant who has a role in determining or recommending the amount or form of executive or director compensation. Occasionally, the MDCC has engaged compensation consultants to provide information about comparator companies' compensation practices. In advance of its July 2010 meeting, the MDCC instructed Meridien Compensation Partners (formerly Hewitt Associates) to conduct an analysis of all elements of compensation paid to our executive team, including our named executive officers, compared to similar elements paid to similarly-situated executives at companies in our comparator group and to provide a written report and presentation of findings at the July 2010 MDCC meeting. This information was used as described under the headings Executive Summary, Detailed Analysis and Discussion—Elements of Annual Compensation—Performance-Based Elements of Compensation—Annual Cash Bonus and Equity Awards—Annual Cash Bonus and Compensation Decision-Making Process—Analysis of Compensation Practices of Comparator Companies.

Analysis of Compensation Practices of Comparator Companies

        In order to make judgments about elements of executive compensation on a competitive basis, we consider information about the compensation practices of a representative group of companies with whom we compete for executive talent. We select companies for this comparator group on the basis of similarity of industry, innovation-based business model, risk profile, annual operating expense level, number of employees and market capitalization. We review and revise the list of companies on a regular basis. In mid-2010, the MDCC derived the comparator company group for 2010-2011, making changes from the prior group to account for developments affecting a number of the comparator companies and to recognize the potential for commercialization of our drug candidates. As a result of this analysis, and on the basis of the criteria listed above, the MDCC selected the comparator companies set forth below, for 2010-2011.

        The MDCC does not strictly benchmark executive compensation awards against comparator company compensation. We do look at comparator company information to confirm that our compensation practices and the result of applying our policies and programs in general results in compensation levels that are competitive with those of the comparator companies. In addition, the MDCC reviews broader industry-specific executive compensation surveys published by Radford, Mercer SIRS and Towers Watson.

Interdependence of Elements and Tally Sheets

        The elements of our compensation program operate independently from one another, except that an adjustment to an executive's base salary level also will result in a corresponding change in the executive's cash bonus opportunity, and potentially, any severance or change of control payments.

        Any time the MDCC evaluates an amount to award or pay for a specific compensation element, we provide a tally sheet that sets forth all elements of the executive's compensation, including salary, cash

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bonus, value of equity compensation, the dollar value to the executive and cost to us of all personal benefits, and the actual projected payout obligations under potential severance and change of control scenarios. The tally sheet shows the impact of the proposed award or payment on each compensation element and on the executive's aggregate compensation. The purpose of the tally sheets is to assist the MDCC in establishing and administering an overall executive compensation program that is fair and reasonable both to our executives and to our shareholders. The tally sheets contain categories of information similar to those provided under the caption Compensation and Equity Tables. However, because the tally sheets are used by the MDCC in connection with forward-looking compensation decisions, we often provide different values in the tally sheets than are reported in these tables. In particular, the tally sheets use more current market prices and use different assumptions regarding the timing and circumstances of any event that could result in a severance payment. The review of tally sheets does not result in specific awards. Rather, the tally sheets provide background information for the MDCC to use in considering one or more components of compensation. Each committee member uses the tally sheets as he or she determines when making compensation decisions. The MDCC also uses the tally sheets, together with other resources, to make a determination each year that the aggregate compensation for each named executive is reasonable and not excessive.

        While the tally sheets include information about the current and projected value of each executive's inventory of outstanding vested and unvested equity awards, we believe it is inconsistent with our compensation philosophy to give this "accumulated wealth" weight in setting current executive compensation levels. The value of an executive's equity inventory is largely a function of prior performance, in terms of the size of the grants, the duration of the executive's tenure with us, and the performance of our common stock during that tenure. The inventory can also be significantly affected by whether a particular executive has disposed of equity compensation items in the past or still retains ownership of them. We do not believe that reducing the amount of an executive's current compensation on account of wealth accumulated for prior performance would be consistent with our compensation objectives of retaining, motivating and rewarding our executives.

Tax Considerations

        We would like our compensation program to be reasonably cost and tax effective. To the extent consistent with our other goals, we seek to preserve corporate tax deductions, while maintaining the flexibility to approve compensation arrangements that we believe to be in the best interests of the company and our shareholders. The approach may not always result in full tax deductibility. The adverse tax impact to us of non-conforming compensation currently is minimal, because at this time we do not have net income subject to federal income tax.

Equity Grant Practices

        The exercise price for each stock option awarded to our executive officers under our equity compensation program is equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant, which under our 2006 Plan is the average of the high and low price for our common stock on the date of grant. Our board generally grants employee options two times per year, on the date of its mid-summer meeting, usually in July, and on the date of its first meeting of each new year, usually in late January or early February. Supplemental equity grants, if any, are made at scheduled MDCC meetings at the time when the MDCC determines they are appropriate in order to meet the objectives of our compensation program. Board and committee meetings generally are scheduled at least a year in advance, and scheduling decisions are made without regard to anticipated earnings or other major announcements by the company.

        In general, newly hired employees, including executive officers, are granted options and/or restricted stock effective on the first day of employment, with the options having an exercise price set at the average of the high and low price for our common stock on the employment start date. The employees' start dates are scheduled without regard to anticipated earnings or other major announcements by the company.

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Management Development and Compensation Committee Report

        The Management Development and Compensation Committee (the "MDCC") has reviewed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and discussed that analysis with management. Based on its review and its discussions with management, the MDCC recommended to Vertex's Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in Vertex's proxy statement for its 2011 annual meeting of shareholders and incorporated by reference into Vertex's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. This report is provided by the following directors who comprise the MDCC:

Jeffrey M. Leiden (Chair)
Wayne J. Riley
Bruce I. Sachs

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COMPENSATION AND EQUITY TABLES

Summary Compensation Table

        The following table provides summary information concerning compensation earned by our chief executive officer, chief financial officer and our other three most highly compensated executive officers in 2010. We refer to these officers collectively as our named executive officers.

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Stock Awards and Options Awards

        The amounts set forth under the captions "Stock Awards" and "Option Awards" in the table above represent the grant-date fair value of awards for financial statement reporting purposes granted during the applicable fiscal year. Our methodology for determining the grant-date fair value, including underlying estimates and assumptions for calculating these values, is set forth in Note D to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, filed with the SEC on February 17, 2011.

        Pursuant to applicable SEC rules the grant-date fair values of the awards granted in February 2011 for 2010 performance will be included as 2011 compensation. The total equity awards made to each of the named executive officers for 2010 performance are as follows:

Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation—Cash Bonus

        The amounts set forth under the caption "Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation" represent cash bonuses for 2010, 2009 and 2008 performance, each of which was paid in the first quarter of the next year. The cash bonus awards to the named executive officers for 2010 performance were determined as follows:

All Other Compensation

        The amounts set forth under the caption "All Other Compensation" in the table above consist of:

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Total Realized Compensation

        To supplement the SEC-required disclosure in the Summary Compensation Table set forth above, we have included the additional table below, which shows "Total Realized Compensation" representing the total compensation realized by each named executive officer in each of the years shown. Total compensation as calculated under SEC rules and, as shown in the Summary Compensation Table, includes several items that are driven by accounting assumptions, which are not necessarily reflective of compensation actually realized by the named executives in a particular year. The amounts reported in the Total Realized Compensation column differ substantially from the amounts reported in the Total column required under SEC rules and are not a substitute for those Total amounts. Total Realized Compensation represents: (1) Total compensation, as determined under applicable SEC rules, minus (2) the aggregate grant-date fair value of restricted stock awards and stock option awards (as reflected in the Stock Awards columns and Option Awards column), plus (3) the value realized in the applicable year from the vesting of restricted stock and exercises of stock options (calculated in the same manner as for the Option Exercises and Stock Vested for 2010 table on page 39).

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Grants of Plan-Based Awards for 2010

        The following table provides information with respect to grants of awards to each of our named executive officers during 2010:

        The amounts in the "Estimated Possible Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards" column represent the minimum (threshold), target and maximum amounts that our named executive officers were eligible for pursuant to our 2010 annual cash bonus program. Actual amounts paid to each of the named executive officers under this plan for 2010 performance are set forth in the Summary Compensation Table above.

        The amounts in the "Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards" column represent the number of shares of restricted stock granted to the named executive officers in 2010 for 2009 performance. Each of these grants is characterized as a PARS award, which is subject to time-based vesting on the fourth anniversary of the grant date, with the vesting of half of the shares subject to acceleration upon the approval of the NDA for telaprevir and the vesting of the other half of the shares subject to acceleration upon the achievement of specified sales levels of telaprevir in the first 18 months after product launch or the launch of any additional drug beyond telaprevir prior to December 31, 2012.

        In accordance with our stock and option plans, the exercise prices for the stock options granted to our named executive officers during 2010 were equal to the average of the high and the low prices of our common stock on the grant date. As a result, in 2010 the exercise prices of options granted to our named executive officers were higher than the grant-date closing price of our common stock for our February 4, 2010 grants and lower than the grant-date closing price of our common stock for our July 14, 2010 grants. In the future, we expect that options will continue to be granted with exercise prices equal to the average of the high and low prices of our common stock on the grant date, and that as a result the exercise prices are likely to be different from the closing price of our common stock on the grant date. Each stock option set forth in the table above is subject to vesting in 16 quarterly installments during the first four years of its ten-year term.

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Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End for 2010

        The following tables provide information with respect to outstanding equity awards held by each of our named executive officers on December 31, 2010, based on the closing price of $35.03 per share of our common stock on December 31, 2010.

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Option Exercises and Stock Vested for 2010

        The following table provides information with respect to the value realized by our named executive officers related to options to purchase common stock exercised by the named executive officers during 2010 and shares of restricted stock that vested during 2010. The value realized per share for options is based on the difference between the exercise price and the fair market value of the shares of common stock at the time the options were exercised. The value realized on vesting of restricted stock awards is based on the fair market value of the shares on the vesting date.

Director Compensation for 2010

        We have designed and implemented our compensation programs for our non-employee directors to attract, motivate and retain individuals who are committed to our values and goals and who have the expertise and experience that we need to achieve those goals. We periodically review and adjust our non-employee director compensation program.

        The annual cash compensation for non-employee directors serving on our board includes an annual retainer of $25,000, payable in quarterly installments, plus $2,500 for each board meeting attended and $500 for each committee meeting attended on a regular board meeting day. If a committee meeting is held on a day other than a regular board meeting day, the committee meeting fee is $1,000. Board and committee meetings held by conference call are compensated at the rate of $1,250 per meeting and $375 per meeting, respectively. The chair of the corporate governance and nominating committee receives an additional annual retainer fee of $20,000, the chair of the audit and finance committee receives an additional annual retainer fee of $20,000, and the chair of the MDCC receives an additional annual retainer fee of $14,000.

        In addition, each non-employee director, upon initial election or appointment to the board, receives a non-qualified option to purchase 30,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price equal to the fair market value per share of our common stock on the date of grant. Those options vest quarterly over a four-year period from the date of grant, based on continued service on the board. Each non-employee director in office on June 1 of each year receives a non-qualified option to purchase 20,000 shares of common stock, exercisable immediately, at an exercise price equal to the fair market value per share of our common stock on the date of grant. The chair of our board, or the lead independent director if the chair is not an independent director, receives an additional non-qualified option to purchase 2,500 shares of common stock exercisable immediately, at an exercise price equal to the fair market value per share of our common stock on the date of grant, which similarly is granted on June 1.

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        The following table provides certain summary information concerning compensation earned during 2010 by directors who were non-employee directors in 2010.

(2)

The amounts set forth under the caption "Option Awards" in the table above represent the grant-date fair value for financial statement reporting purposes of the equity awards granted during 2010. Our methodology, including underlying estimates and assumptions, for calculating these values is set forth in Note D to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, filed with the SEC on February 17, 2011. Each of our non-employee directors serving as a director on June 1, 2010 received a non-qualified option to purchase 20,000 shares of our common stock, exercisable immediately, at an exercise price of $34.24. In addition, for service as then lead independent director on June 1, 2010, we granted Dr. Sanders a non-qualified option to purchase 20,000 shares of our common stock, exercisable immediately, at an exercise price of $34.24. The grant-date fair value of each grant made on June 1, 2010 was $352,722. In connection with his appointment as our new lead independent director, we granted Dr. Leiden a non-qualified option on December 15, 2010 to purchase 1,527 shares of our common stock, exercisable immediately, at an exercise price of $34.39 and a grant-date fair value of $24,673. On July 9, 2010, in connection with his election to the board of directors, Dr. Riley received a non-qualified option to purchase 30,000 shares of our common stock, which will vest quarterly over four years, at an exercise price of $33.89 and a grant-date fair value of $507,276. Each option awarded to our directors in 2010 was granted with an exercise price equal to the average of the high and low prices for our common stock on the date of grant.

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As of December 31, 2010, our non-employee directors had outstanding stock options to purchase our common stock as follows:

In addition, as of December 31, 2010, Dr. Boger had 36,365 shares of unvested restricted stock that were granted to him when he was our chief executive officer.

(3)

The amount set forth relates to consulting fees paid to Dr. Cordes for service on one of our scientific advisory boards.

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SUMMARY OF TERMINATION AND CHANGE OF CONTROL BENEFITS

        The amounts shown in the tables below are calculated based on the amounts that would have been payable had the named executive officer experienced an employment termination on December 31, 2010. These amounts do not include any life insurance payments or disability insurance payments that the executive or the executive's estate may receive under existing insurance policies. The assumptions underlying the calculations in the following tables include:

•

the value of each share subject to an option to purchase common stock that would be accelerated in the circumstances described below equals $35.03 per share (the closing price on the last trading day of 2010), minus the exercise price per share;



•

the value of each share of restricted stock for which our repurchase right would lapse in the circumstances described below equals $35.03 per share (the closing price on the last trading day of 2010);



•

appropriate provision for the continuation of all then-outstanding options would be made in connection with a change of control;



•

our board of directors would elect not to pay a pro rata portion of an executive's target bonus for the year of termination in cases where the executive's employment is terminated voluntarily by the executive (for any reason, including retirement) or for cause, consistent with our policy that cash bonuses are payable only to employees who are otherwise eligible and who remain employed by us on the date of bonus payment, typically in February of the next year; and



•

our board of directors would have assigned the same 2010 individual and company performance ratings on December 31, 2010 as they assigned in the first quarter of 2011.

        The actual amounts that the named executive officers could receive in the future as a result of a termination of employment would likely differ materially from the amounts set forth below as a result of, among other things, changes in our stock price, changes in their base salary, target bonus amounts and actual bonus amounts, and the vesting and grants of additional equity awards.

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EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS AND CHANGE OF CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS

        We have entered into agreements and maintain plans that will require us to provide to our named executive officers cash compensation, benefits and/or acceleration of the vesting of equity awards in the event of termination of employment under specified circumstances. The following summary descriptions of our employment contracts and change of control agreements containing severance provisions with our named executive officers are qualified by the complete terms and conditions set forth in each of the agreements. In addition to the agreements described below, outstanding options granted under our stock and option plans provide that, in the event of certain changes of control, either appropriate provision for the continuation of all then-outstanding options must be made, or the vesting of those options will be accelerated and they will become fully exercisable immediately prior to such change of control.

Matthew W. Emmens

        The terms and conditions of Mr. Emmens' employment are governed by a written employment contract, which was entered into in February 2009 and expires on May 22, 2012. Mr. Emmens' employment agreement provides that he is entitled to receive compensation as determined by our board of directors and is eligible to receive the benefits generally made available to our executives. In addition, Mr. Emmens has agreed not to engage in specified competitive activities for 18 months after his employment with us terminates.

        If Mr. Emmens' employment is terminated by us without cause or he terminates his employment for good reason, he would be entitled to receive:

        If Mr. Emmens' employment is terminated by us without cause or he terminates his employment for good reason within two years after a change of control of Vertex, he would instead receive:

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