Better Health for All

Vertex Pharmaceuticals develops transformative medicines for serious diseases, with its entire portfolio, including FDA-approved ALYFTREK

for cystic fibrosis and Journavx for acute pain, delivering significant health benefits. Journavx is a non-opioid painkiller with a pricing policy aimed at reducing addiction risks. The company has no products with significant negative health impacts. However, access to its key cystic fibrosis drug, TRIKAFTA, is limited, with only 12% of global CF patients having access due to its annual price of approximately $300,000. This high cost has led patient advocacy groups in multiple countries to petition for patent revocations to allow for generic production. Furthermore, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation expressed concern over Vertex's reduction in copay assistance, potentially limiting access for those who cannot afford essential medications. Despite these challenges, Vertex has expanded the availability of its CF medicines to over 60 countries and implemented a donation pilot program in 12 lower-income countries, providing medicines at no cost. In December 2024, CMS entered agreements with Vertex to enhance access to gene therapies for Medicaid-covered patients by linking payments to therapy effectiveness. The company also committed $50 million in May 2022 towards health equity initiatives, focusing on clinical trial diversity and access to quality care. Vertex's research in November 2023 highlighted that 59% of sickle cell disease patients felt unfairly treated, and 68% believed they would receive better care if of a different race or ethnicity, underscoring the need to address systemic disparities.

Fair Money & Economic Opportunity

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. operates in the biotechnology sector, focusing on developing and commercializing medicines. The 'Fair Money & Economic Opportunity' value and its associated KPIs are primarily designed for financial institutions that offer lending, insurance, or deposit services. As Vertex does not provide such financial products or services, most KPIs are not applicable to its core business model. While the company engages in significant charitable giving, including approximately $53 million in 2024 to education, innovation, and health, and a $50 million commitment to health equity over five years,

these contributions do not constitute reinvestment in 'community finance' or 'profit-sharing with underserved communities' as specifically defined by the rubric's profit reinvestment KPI. Consequently, all KPIs are scored 0, reflecting that the company's operations fall outside the scope of financial services addressed by this value.

Fair Pay & Worker Respect

Vertex Pharmaceuticals demonstrates a commitment to fair pay and worker respect through various initiatives. The company conducts annual reviews of pay data, including statistical analyses and third-party expert reviews, to identify and address disparities related to gender, race, and other protected categories.

Vertex plans to disclose an adjusted pay gap analysis of its workforce concerning gender and race, using 2024 data, in 2025. Its Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (ID&E) initiatives include Employee Resource Networks (ERNs) like IWILL, VIBE, PRIDE, BRAVE, and ENABLE. As of December 2022, women represented 54% of Vertex's global workforce, with 39% holding leadership positions (VP and above). In 2023, 45% of hires in the U.S. were from underrepresented groups, and approximately 40% of U.S. employees were from underrepresented ethnic and racial groups. The company achieved a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index and has been recognized as a great workplace by various platforms, including Fortune, Forbes, and Seramount. Vertex also promotes supplier diversity.

Fair Trade & Ethical Sourcing

Vertex's supplier sustainability program conducted quarterly audits for 124 suppliers in 2022, focusing on environmental compliance.

The company acknowledges the risks of modern slavery and human trafficking in its global supply chains. The company has implemented training programs on the Modern Slavery Act. Vertex plans to enhance responsible sourcing and due diligence on human rights impacts, ensuring suppliers align with ethical commitments.

Honest & Fair Business

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is currently under investigation for potential securities fraud related to a clinical trial announcement and insider transactions.

Additionally, the Office of Inspector General has suggested that the company's fertility support program for Casgevy patients might violate anti-kickback statutes due to potential fraud risks. The company has a comprehensive Compliance Program, overseen by a Chief Compliance Officer, which includes a Code of Conduct, regular training, auditing, monitoring, enforcement, corrective action, and risk assessments. It also adheres to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K. Bribery Act 2010. Procedures are in place for confidential, anonymous submissions by employees regarding accounting or auditing matters, and employees are encouraged to report concerns without fear of retaliation, supported by an online reporting tool.

Kind to Animals

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated conducts animal testing as part of its product development.

This practice was integral to its research and development process, as evidenced by a 2005 legal case revealing the suspension of VX-745 drug testing in September 2001 due to adverse findings in animal tests, which were completed before clinical trials began.

No War, No Weapons

Vertex Pharmaceuticals' core business is biopharmaceutical, focusing on therapies for serious diseases.

The company explicitly states it does not engage in the production of weapons or military goods, arms manufacturing, military contracts, or conflict facilitation. Its collaborations are centered on biomedical advancements, not defense technologies, indicating no development or sale of dual-use technologies. This fundamental business model implies a corporate ban on all weapons categories, resulting in zero revenue from arms or defense. As such, it has no defense assets to divest and no exposure to controversial weapons. Its R&D is exclusively focused on peace and humanitarian technology, demonstrating 100% compliance with its ethical standards in core operations.

Planet-Friendly Business

No specific, quantifiable evidence was provided in the article to assess Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc against the given KPIs for Planet-Friendly Business. The article contains only a general statement about the company's commitment to environmental sustainability and eco-friendly practices

, which does not map to any specific rubric thresholds.

Respect for Cultures & Communities

Vertex has 8 formal partnership agreements with community-focused organizations, including Year Up, City Year, Equal Justice Works, Boston Private Industry Council, Biomedical Science Careers Program, San Diego Squared, STEM Learning, and Bottom Line.

No cultural appropriation incidents have been reported. Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) processes are not applicable to the company's operations. The company has no reported cultural site disruptions and does not operate near such sites. No cultural incidents have been reported, and no specific response framework is mentioned as applicable to its business model.

Safe & Smart Tech

Vertex Pharmaceuticals has reported no material cybersecurity incidents affecting its operations or financial condition as of its latest filings

. The company has implemented a comprehensive cybersecurity program aligned with the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework , which includes continuous monitoring, threat hunting, and regular vulnerability assessments . Vertex adheres to global data protection regulations, such as GDPR and various U.S. state privacy laws , supported by a global privacy program to ensure compliance and protect personal data . The company is actively developing governance policies for the ethical and responsible use of AI technologies and has sought leadership in AI governance and policy .

Zero Waste & Sustainable Products

Vertex Pharmaceuticals has implemented several waste reduction initiatives. The Jeffrey Leiden Center for Cell and Genetic Therapies repurposed 90% of its biomedical lab waste, totaling 81,048 pounds, into sustainable materials for landscaping and construction.

The Vertex Manufacturing Center converted 6,000 pounds of gowns, hairnets, and gloves into plastic lumber and pellets. At the Fan Pier headquarters, 61 yards of Styrofoam and 2,377 pounds of nonhazardous plastic were recycled from biology research labs. Additionally, three Vertex labs achieved My Green Lab® certifications in 2023, with Boston labs receiving Platinum and Gold, and the Oxford lab earning a Green certification.