Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. on Wednesday announced theformation of a subsidiary to commercialize its biocatalysts,cross-linked enzyme crystal technology.

The new unit, Altus Biologics Inc., will be headed by PeterLanciano, who joins Altus as general manager.

Vertex (NASDAQ:VRTX) of Cambridge, Mass., uses rational drugdesign to create small-molecule compounds the company plansto develop as orally deliverable drugs to treat major humandiseases in immunology, inflammation and anti-viral therapy.

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