Vertex appoints new global R&D chief

In this new role, Dr Mueller will expand his leadership responsibilities to cover all of Vertex’s global R&D, including clinical and non-clinical development, clinical operations, medical and regulatory affairs as of May 15, 2009 upon Freda Lewis-Hall’s departure.

In addition to these new responsibilities, Dr Mueller will retain his current leadership for drug discovery and research, as well as pharmaceutical development, quality assurance and control and pharmaceutical operations.

Prior to joining Vertex in 2003, Dr Mueller held worldwide responsibility for development of all drug candidates as senior vice president of R&D for Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals.

Also, Vertex reported that Dr Lewis-Hall, executive vice president of medicines development and chief medical officer, will be departing Vertex on May 15, 2009 to pursue another business opportunity.

Matthew Emmens, president of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, said: “Peter’s proven leadership in drug discovery and research, pharmaceutical development and manufacturing operations, along with his prior experience leading drug development groups within a major pharmaceutical company, provides Vertex with important integration of leadership for our clinical development programs in hepatitis C and cystic fibrosis at an important time in the company’s evolution.

“Peter’s operational focus and expertise in our business spanning more than two decades in the pharmaceutical industry positions him uniquely to assume these expanded responsibilities.”