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Reshma Kewalramani

One of the few women to lead a large global biopharma company, Kewalramani, who is also a doctor, took charge at Boston-based Vertex in April 2020. The maker of four breakthrough cystic fibrosis drugs—all of which have come to the market since 2012—Vertex has transformed the outlook for the 88,000 patients globally who suffer from the life-shortening genetic condition. The company’s medications can treat up to 90% of patients with the disease and have powered Vertex’s rapid growth: The company recorded $8.9 billion in revenue in 2022, up from $4.2 billion in 2019. Its newest product, a three-drug-combination therapy called Trikafta, costs $311,000 per year, and it has drawn scrutiny from activists campaigning for greater accessibility. (The company says it's aiming to expand access.) Vertex is meanwhile pursuing other potentially game-changing therapies, including a CRISPR gene-editing therapy for sickle cell disease.

Barry ChinBoston Globe/Getty Images
  • Title
    President and CEO
  • Affiliation
    Vertex
  • Country/Territory
    U.S.
One of the few women to lead a large global biopharma company, Kewalramani, who is also a doctor, took charge at Boston-based Vertex in April 2020. The maker of four breakthrough cystic fibrosis drugs—all of which have come to the market since 2012—Vertex has transformed the outlook for the 88,000 patients globally who suffer from the life-shortening genetic condition. The company’s medications can treat up to 90% of patients with the disease and have powered Vertex’s rapid growth: The company recorded $8.9 billion in revenue in 2022, up from $4.2 billion in 2019. Its newest product, a three-drug-combination therapy called Trikafta, costs $311,000 per year, and it has drawn scrutiny from activists campaigning for greater accessibility. (The company says it's aiming to expand access.) Vertex is meanwhile pursuing other potentially game-changing therapies, including a CRISPR gene-editing therapy for sickle cell disease.