EX-23.1 2 a2151640zex-23_1.htm EX-23.1
QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document


Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

        We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-3/A of our report dated March 10, 2004, relating to the consolidated financial statements, which appears in Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such Registration Statement.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Boston, Massachusetts
February 14, 2005




QuickLinks