Vertex Pharmaceuticals to Lay Off 125 Employees in Rhode Island

News Summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals has announced it will lay off 125 employees in Rhode Island due to the discontinuation of its VX-264 program aimed at treating Type 1 diabetes. This move follows a WARN notice filed on June 8, with layoffs effective August 5. The program, despite showing safety in clinical trials, was halted due to insufficient efficacy data, leading to a broader workforce reduction linked to the program. Vertex will consolidate its operations in Rhode Island, maintaining around 60 employees while offering severance and support to affected workers.

Rhode Island – Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. has announced it will lay off 125 employees in its Rhode Island operations as part of a strategic move following the discontinuation of its VX-264 program, designed to treat Type 1 diabetes. This decision comes after the company filed a WARN notice with the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training on June 8, indicating that the workforce reductions will take effect on August 5.

The job cuts are directly linked to the halted development of VX-264, a “cells plus device” therapy intended to assist patients with Type 1 diabetes in producing their own insulin. During clinical trials, although the program demonstrated safety in preliminary phase 1 and phase 2 studies, efficacy data ultimately did not support the advancement of the project, leading to Vertex’s decision to discontinue the program.

The total layoffs resulting from the program’s closure will involve approximately 140 positions, including the 125 in Providence, with additional layoffs planned from other locations associated with the VX-264 initiative. Following this reduction, about 60 employees will remain in Rhode Island, as Vertex consolidates operations from three separate buildings into a single facility at 225 Carolina Avenue.

The integrated campus previously operated in Providence, situated between Allens Avenue and Eddy Street, also includes a building located in Warwick. Vertex’s decision will significantly streamline its operations in the state as it focuses on maintaining efficiency following the operational changes.

In light of the layoffs, Vertex has committed to offering affected employees severance packages, outplacement support, and access to career counseling services to assist them in transitioning to new employment opportunities.

Despite the setback with VX-264, Vertex Pharmaceuticals continues to progress with its other cell therapy program for Type 1 diabetes known as zimislecel (VX-880), which is currently in phase 3 development. The company remains focused on advancing its research efforts in diabetes treatments and has not filed for layoffs concerning its Massachusetts operations, which include multiple locations in the state.

Additionally, Vertex is facing a considerable financial impact from the discontinuation of the VX-264 program, writing off a $400 million investment that was tied to its development. This reflects the significant resources and commitment the company had previously dedicated to the VX-264 therapy before the decision to halt its progress.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, with its headquarters in both Boston and London, has established itself as a key player in the biotechnology sector, particularly known for its innovations in treatments for serious diseases. The company’s focus remains on developing therapies that can improve the lives of patients living with various conditions, including Type 1 diabetes. The closure of the VX-264 program marks a challenging moment for Vertex, but the ongoing advancement of zimislecel represents a potential path forward in their diabetes research efforts.

As Vertex navigates this transition, the company aims to maintain its commitment to innovation and the development of effective treatments for patients with unmet medical needs.

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