UPDATED: Vertex Pharmaceuticals to Lay Off 125 in Rhode Island

UPDATED: Vertex Pharmaceuticals to Lay Off 125 in Rhode Island

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is laying off 125 employees in Rhode Island.

This is a major blow to the Rhode Island biotech sector.

The layoffs hit Vertex’s “Cell and Genetic Therapies Research & Development Site” in Providence.

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As a company, Vertex says, “We strike at the core of serious diseases to change people’s lives. Bringing together the brightest minds, investing in science, and taking smart risks, we go all in. For the lives we have changed and for those who are still waiting, we will never stop fighting until we discover cures.”

The Providence facility is not expected to close. Matthew Touchette, the spokesperson for Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, did not respond to questions about the layoffs.

 

Adverse Impact

Rhode Island has been trying to build a biotech industry.

Just last week, the state was promoting its recent success in the sector.

"I’m pleased to share continued progress in building a stronger, more resilient life sciences ecosystem here in Rhode Island. Last week marked another milestone: we announced a second round of recipients for our business development programs. These investments total more than $5 million and are expected to generate nearly 250 new jobs. They support the types of high-growth companies—attraction-stage, scaling, and capital-seeking—that are critical to advancing our state’s life sciences industry,” wrote Dr. Mark A. Turco, President & CEO of the Rhode Island Life Science Hub

Vertex’s corporate communications responded to some of GoLocal's questions. "Vertex previously announced that it has discontinued development of VX-264, our 'cells plus device' program for type 1 diabetes, as the Phase 1/2 study did not meet its efficacy endpoint. As a result, certain roles related specifically to the VX-264 program have been eliminated and our three Providence buildings will be consolidated into our 225 Carolina Avenue location. Vertex remains committed to bringing transformative therapies to people living with T1D and to progressing our cell therapy program, zimislecel (VX-880), which is in Phase 3 development."

The company did not answer how many employees it still employs in Rhode Island.

Vertex is publicly traded and lists Boston and London as its headquarters. It reported that it employed 6,100 in 2024, which had been a 13% increase in headcount.

This story was first published 6/9/25 6:25 PM, It was updated 6/10/25 at 6:49 AM.