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Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

        We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements (Form S-8 Nos. 33-48030, 33-48348, 33-65472, 33-93324, 333-12325, 333-27011, 333-56179, 333-65664, 333-79549, 333-104362, 333-115458 and 333-147277 and Form S-3 Nos. 333-37794, 333-49844, 333-1116376, 333-120055, 333-123731, 333-130179 and 333-130665) of our reports dated February 11, 2008, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2007.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Boston, Massachusetts
February 11, 2008

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Exhibit 23.1