In-House Team of the Year

Sponsored by

Highly Commended

Vertex International Corporate Communications Team

Vertex Pharmaceuticals International

Summary of work

Vertex is a rapidly growing US-based biotech with four in-market cystic fibrosis medicines and leading pipeline including Nobel-prize winning technology (CRISPR/cas 9) gene and cell therapy. The international communications team needed to internationalise Vertex’s profile across multiple geographies and devise how to better leverage our highly innovative R&D, as well as profile a significant new product launch to positively build reputation and demonstrate our commitment to patients. We also led international internal communications to a growing workforce, made even more important due to COVID crisis management and change, as well as the vital focus on employee wellbeing.
The team surpassed all expectations delivering a best-in-class communications programme. This included a highly successful remote medicines launch, delivering to communities across countries with our ‘Week of Service’, virtual events with engaging content, clear, concise and impactful COVID communications plus much more. This was achieved by the commitment and dedication of a highly skilled and motivated team working from their kitchens and bedrooms, collaborating together and in partnership across the business.
We are proud of what we have achieved for Vertex, but more importantly we remain deeply motivated when we see the positive impact we have had on the patients we serve.

To date, the program has successfully generated and leveraged data through newly established channels and partnerships with engaged stakeholders. The program has already successfully influenced clinical practice and policy at global, country and clinic levels via novel insights and targeted, patient-focused solutions. Adherence is gaining the attention it has long needed, and real-world outcomes will improve as a result.

Judges’ comments

Vertex’s International Corporate Communications Team had bold plans against a challenging backdrop, which they executed with multi-level success. It is clear that the team is well-respected internally and that is making a difference as to how Vertex is seen externally. This is a slick team with clarity of purpose that comes through in their entry and their presentation.