GLAXOSMITHKLINE AND VERTEX ANNOUNCE NEW COLLABORATION TO DEVELOP AND COMMERCIALIZE VX-409

GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK) and Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Nasdaq: VRTX) announced today that they have entered into a new agreement to develop and commercialize VX-409, Vertex's novel, subtype selective sodium channel modulator for the treatment of pain. VX-409 is the first of a new class of agents targeting specific pain signals in nerve cells. Under the terms of the agreement, GSK will have the exclusive right and license to develop and commercialize VX-409 and back-up compounds worldwide.

Canada NewsWire (http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/December2005/13/c6381.html)