VERTEX THIRD-QUARTER LOSS WIDENS

Biotech firm Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. said Wednesday its third-quarter loss grew sharply as charges offset higher revenue. The company recorded a loss of $79.6 million, or 84 cents per share, compared with a year-ago loss of $38.8 million, or 49 cents per share. Excluding a number of non-operating items, Vertex said its loss would have narrowed to $41.7 million, or 44 cents per share, from $36.2 million, or 46 cents per share, in the 2004 period. These charges resulted mainly from the exchange and retirement of certain convertible debt.

Forbes (http://www.forbes.com/infoimaging/feeds/ap/2005/10/26/ap2301824.html)