EX-12.1 3 a2144496zex-12_1.htm EXHIBIT 12.1
QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document


Exhibit 12.1

         Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
(Amounts in thousands)

 
   1999
   2000
   2001
   2002
   2003
   6 Months Ended
June 30, 2004
  
Loss from continuing operations before cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles and loss of equity investee   $ (47,561 ) $ (41,370 ) $ (79,567 ) $ (136,958 ) $ (266,413 ) $ (84,707 )

Fixed Charges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense and amortization of deferred issuance costs     1,704     11,653     19,318     17,684     17,298     9,008  
Appropriate rental obligations     2,686     2,934     5,098     5,230     10,829     2,700  
Total fixed charges   $ 4,390   $ 14,587   $ 24,416   $ 22,914   $ 28,127   $ 11,708  

Loss from continuing operations before cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles and loss of equity investee, plus fixed charges
 
$
(43,171
)
$
(26,783
)
$
(55,151
)
$
(114,044
)
$
(238,286
)
$
(72,999
)

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
 
 
*
 
 
*
 
 
*
 
 
*
 
 
*
 
 
*
 
*
Due to the Company's loss from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and for the six months ended June 30, 2004 earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $47,561,000, $41,370,000, $79,567,000, $136,958,000, $266,413,000 and $84,707,000, respectively.



QuickLinks