Dr. Reshma Kewalramani stands as a pioneering force in the global biotechnology industry. As the first woman to lead a major U.S. biotech company, she has not only broken barriers but also transformed lives through innovation in medicine. Her journey from a young immigrant in the United States to the CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals is a testament to resilience, intellect, and the pursuit of meaningful impact.
Key Information
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Reshma Kewalramani |
| Date of Birth | 1973 |
| Place of Birth | Mumbai (formerly Bombay), Maharashtra, India |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Indian-American |
| Current Residence | Massachusetts, United States |
| Citizenship | United States |
| Languages Spoken | English, Hindi |
| Education | – B.A./M.D. Program, Boston University (Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa)
– Residency: Massachusetts General Hospital – Fellowship: Nephrology, MGH/Brigham & Women’s – General Management Program, Harvard Business School |
| Medical Specialization | Nephrology, Internal Medicine |
| Medical Licensure | Licensed Physician in the United States |
| Current Position | President & CEO, Vertex Pharmaceuticals (since April 2020) |
| Previous Roles | – Chief Medical Officer, Vertex Pharmaceuticals
– VP of Global Clinical Development, Amgen |
| Years Active in Industry | 2004–present |
| Board Memberships | – Massachusetts General Hospital
– Biomedical Science Careers Program – Boston University School of Medicine |
| Family Status | Married; Mother of twin sons |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Hobbies & Interests | Reading biographies, mentoring young scientists, public speaking |
| Favorite Quote | “Patients first, always.” |
| Notable Achievements | – First female CEO of a major U.S. biotech firm
– TIME 100 Honoree (2025) – CRISPR therapy leadership for sickle cell disease |
| Awards & Honors | – Golden Door Award
– Fortune’s Most Powerful Women – New Englander of the Year |
| Social Media | Not publicly active on personal social media platforms |
Early Life and Academic Brilliance
Born in 1973 in Mumbai, India, Reshma Kewalramani moved to the United States with her family at the age of 11. The transition to a new country sparked her determination to excel, and she quickly distinguished herself in academics. She enrolled in a prestigious combined liberal arts and medical education program at Boston University, earning her medical degree summa cum laude.
Her commitment to healthcare deepened during her residency in internal medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, followed by a fellowship in nephrology at a joint program between Mass General and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. To expand her leadership skills, she later completed the General Management Program at Harvard Business School.
Medical Career and Shift to Biopharma
Dr. Kewalramani began her professional life as a practicing nephrologist and researcher, contributing to advancements in kidney transplant care. Her scientific rigor and patient-focused approach naturally led her to the pharmaceutical industry, where she saw the potential to make an even greater impact.
She spent over a decade at Amgen, one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies, where she held senior roles in research and development. Her work there laid the foundation for her future leadership at Vertex Pharmaceuticals.
Leadership at Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Joining Vertex in 2017 as Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kewalramani played a pivotal role in the clinical development of therapies for cystic fibrosis (CF). In 2020, she was named President and CEO — the first woman of Indian origin to head a major U.S. biotech firm.
Under her guidance, Vertex made groundbreaking advances, including the approval and widespread success of Trikafta, a triple-combination therapy that has significantly improved the lives of CF patients. Most notably, her leadership helped usher in the approval of the world’s first CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy for sickle cell disease, marking a historic moment in modern medicine.
Awards and Recognition
- TIME 100 Most Influential People (2025): Recognized for her leadership in advancing groundbreaking therapies.
- Fortune’s Most Powerful Women List.
- International Institute of New England’s Golden Door Award.
- New England Council’s New Englander of the Year.
- Harvard Medical School Excellence in Teaching Award.
Personal Life and Vision
A proud mother of twin sons, Dr. Kewalramani balances her high-powered career with a deep sense of family and community. Her leadership style is grounded in empathy, curiosity, and the belief that science must ultimately serve humanity.
Her vision for the future of medicine is clear: a world where once-incurable diseases are treated at the genetic level, and where biotech innovation is accessible to all. Through her work, Dr. Reshma Kewalramani continues to redefine what is possible — not just for patients, but for women and immigrants across the globe.
Interesting Facts About Dr. Reshma Kewalramani
- Immigrant Success Story
Dr. Kewalramani immigrated to the U.S. at age 11 and rose to become a top leader in biotechnology, a symbol of the American dream realized through perseverance and education. - Medical Pioneer Turned Executive
Before entering the biotech industry, she was a practicing nephrologist, bringing a deeply clinical perspective to drug development and corporate leadership. - History-Making CEO
In 2020, she became the first woman and the first Indian-American to lead a major U.S. biotech company. - Trailblazer in Gene Editing
Under her leadership, Vertex secured FDA approval for the world’s first CRISPR-based therapy for sickle cell disease — a revolutionary achievement in genetic medicine. - Named Among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People
In 2025, TIME magazine honored her for reshaping the future of genetic therapies and setting a new standard for biotech leadership. - Strong Advocate for Science Education
She actively mentors young scientists and women in STEM and serves on educational boards, including the Boston University School of Medicine. - Deep Commitment to Patients
Her decisions at Vertex are driven by a simple but powerful motto: “Patients first, always.” She ensures that patient voices guide drug development. - Balancing Leadership with Motherhood
As a mother of twins, she openly discusses the importance of family and the challenges of balancing parenting with a high-pressure executive role, inspiring many working mothers.
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