BOSTON (Diya TV) — Reshma Kewalramani, now the CEO of Boston’s leading biotech company, Vertex, faced unexpected fears during her journey from a medical researcher to a groundbreaking pharmaceutical executive. The Boston Globe highlighted her remarkable trajectory, shedding light on the challenges she overcame and the pivotal moments that led her to the top of the biotech industry.
Raised by Indian immigrants on Long Island, New York, Kewalramani initially pursued a seven-year medical program at Boston University, driven by her parents’ aspirations for her to become a medical professional excelling in patient care, teaching, and research.
However, it was Kewalramani’s unique encounter with rodents during her work as a transplant nephrologist that prompted a significant shift in her career path. Despite her fear of mice, she realized her true passion was in making medicines for patients, compelling her to transition to the drug industry.
Her venture into biotech began when a recruiter from Amgen approached her in 2004. Relocating to California marked a significant leap, and Kewalramani thrived, rapidly climbing the ranks. In 2017, she seized the opportunity to join Vertex and return to Boston, drawn by the company’s leadership and its bold decision-making culture.
Kewalramani’s pivotal moment at Vertex came during the Phase Two trials of the company’s next-generation treatment for cystic fibrosis. Faced with the choice of prioritizing one potential medicine over another, she advocated for giving both an equal opportunity to prove their effectiveness. This decision led to the development of Trikafta, a breakthrough therapy for cystic fibrosis, solidifying Vertex’s position as a top-performing biotech company.
In 2019, Kewalramani made history by becoming the first female CEO at a top-tier U.S. biotech company. Since then, she has focused on executing an ambitious vision for Vertex, emphasizing a commitment to groundbreaking innovation and diversifying the company’s portfolio.
Under her leadership, Vertex has achieved a market cap of nearly $90 billion and is actively collaborating with Moderna to create an mRNA therapy for cystic fibrosis. Additionally, the company aims to release five therapies over the next five years, addressing various medical conditions.
Kewalramani’s leadership extends beyond business success, as she actively works on diversifying the workforce at Vertex, challenging traditional hiring requirements and collaborating with nonprofits to provide opportunities for underprivileged individuals.
