<?xml version="1.0" encoding="US-ASCII"?>
<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!-- -->
<xsd:schema attributeFormDefault="unqualified" elementFormDefault="qualified" targetNamespace="http://www.ptcbio.com/20181231" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:nonnum="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/non-numeric" xmlns:num="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric" xmlns:ptct="http://www.ptcbio.com/20181231" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema">
  <xsd:import namespace="http://fasb.org/srt/2018-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2018-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-roles/2018-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-roles-2018-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-types/2018-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-types-2018-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-instance-2003-12-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/arcrole/fact-explanatoryFact" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/arcrole/factExplanatory-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negated" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/net" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/net-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/non-numeric" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/nonNumeric-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2017-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2017/country-2017-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2017-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2017/currency-2017-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018-01-31" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/exch/2018-01-31" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/exch/2018/exch-2018-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/naics/2017-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/naics/2017/naics-2017-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/sic/2011-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/sic/2011/sic-2011-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2018-01-31" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2018/stpr-2018-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:annotation>
    <xsd:appinfo>
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="ptct-20181231_cal.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/calculationLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple" />
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="ptct-20181231_def.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/definitionLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple" />
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="ptct-20181231_lab.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/labelLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple" />
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="ptct-20181231_pre.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple" />
      <link:roleType id="A401KPlan" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/A401KPlan">
        <link:definition>2117100 - Disclosure - 401(k) plan</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="A401KPlanDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/A401KPlanDetails">
        <link:definition>2417401 - Disclosure - 401(k) plan (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="AccountsPayableAndAccruedExpenses" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/AccountsPayableAndAccruedExpenses">
        <link:definition>2105100 - Disclosure - Accounts payable and accrued expenses</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="AccountsPayableAndAccruedExpensesDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/AccountsPayableAndAccruedExpensesDetails">
        <link:definition>2405402 - Disclosure - Accounts payable and accrued expenses (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="AccountsPayableAndAccruedExpensesTables" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/AccountsPayableAndAccruedExpensesTables">
        <link:definition>2305301 - Disclosure - Accounts payable and accrued expenses (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="Acquisitions" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/Acquisitions">
        <link:definition>2101100 - Disclosure - Acquisitions</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="AcquisitionsBusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/AcquisitionsBusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>2401405 - Disclosure - Acquisitions  -Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="AcquisitionsNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/AcquisitionsNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>2401402 - Disclosure - Acquisitions - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="AcquisitionsPreliminaryAllocationOfPurchasePriceDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/AcquisitionsPreliminaryAllocationOfPurchasePriceDetails">
        <link:definition>2401403 - Disclosure - Acquisitions - Preliminary Allocation of purchase price (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="AcquisitionsScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/AcquisitionsScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsDetails">
        <link:definition>2401404 - Disclosure - Acquisitions -Schedule of Business Acquisitions (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="AcquisitionsScheduleOfPurchasePriceDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/AcquisitionsScheduleOfPurchasePriceDetails">
        <link:definition>2401406 - Disclosure - Acquisitions - Schedule of purchase price (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="AcquisitionsTables" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/AcquisitionsTables">
        <link:definition>2301301 - Disclosure - Acquisitions (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="AcquisitionsTotalPurchaseConsiderationDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/AcquisitionsTotalPurchaseConsiderationDetails">
        <link:definition>2401407 - Disclosure - Acquisitions - Total Purchase Consideration (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CapitalStructure" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/CapitalStructure">
        <link:definition>2107100 - Disclosure - Capital structure</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CapitalStructureNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/CapitalStructureNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>2407402 - Disclosure - Capital structure - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CapitalStructureSummaryOfWarrantsDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/CapitalStructureSummaryOfWarrantsDetails">
        <link:definition>2407403 - Disclosure - Capital structure - Summary of Warrants (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CapitalStructureTables" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/CapitalStructureTables">
        <link:definition>2307301 - Disclosure - Capital structure (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CommitmentsAndContingencies" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies">
        <link:definition>2115100 - Disclosure - Commitments and contingencies</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CommitmentsAndContingenciesLeaseOperatingLeasesFutureLeasePaymentsDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesLeaseOperatingLeasesFutureLeasePaymentsDetails">
        <link:definition>2415403 - Disclosure - Commitments and contingencies - Lease, Operating Leases, Future Lease Payments (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CommitmentsAndContingenciesNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>2415402 - Disclosure - Commitments and contingencies - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables">
        <link:definition>2315301 - Disclosure - Commitments and contingencies (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="Company" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/Company">
        <link:definition>2101100 - Disclosure - The Company</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CompanyDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/CompanyDetails">
        <link:definition>2401401 - Disclosure - The Company (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets">
        <link:definition>1001000 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical">
        <link:definition>1001501 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows">
        <link:definition>1005000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveLoss" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveLoss">
        <link:definition>1003000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations">
        <link:definition>1002000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Operations</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity">
        <link:definition>1004000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="Debt" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/Debt">
        <link:definition>2106100 - Disclosure - Debt</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="Debt2015ConvertibleNotesDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/Debt2015ConvertibleNotesDetails">
        <link:definition>2406403 - Disclosure - Debt - 2015 Convertible Notes (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="Debt2017CreditFacilityDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/Debt2017CreditFacilityDetails">
        <link:definition>2406402 - Disclosure - Debt - 2017 Credit Facility (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="DebtSummaryOfConvertibleNotesDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/DebtSummaryOfConvertibleNotesDetails">
        <link:definition>2406404 - Disclosure - Debt - Summary of convertible notes (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="DebtSummaryOfInterestExpenseDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/DebtSummaryOfInterestExpenseDetails">
        <link:definition>2406405 - Disclosure - Debt - Summary of Interest Expense (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="DebtTables" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/DebtTables">
        <link:definition>2306301 - Disclosure - Debt (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="DocumentAndEntityInformation" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation">
        <link:definition>0001000 - Document - Document and Entity Information</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="EarningsPerShare" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/EarningsPerShare">
        <link:definition>2108100 - Disclosure - Earnings per share</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="EarningsPerShareDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails">
        <link:definition>2408402 - Disclosure - Earnings per share (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="EarningsPerShareTables" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables">
        <link:definition>2308301 - Disclosure - Earnings per share (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAndInvestments" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAndInvestments">
        <link:definition>2102100 - Disclosure - Fair value of financial instruments and investments</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAndInvestmentsAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAndInvestmentsAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDetails">
        <link:definition>2402405 - Disclosure - Fair value of financial instruments and investments - Available-for-sale securities (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAndInvestmentsFairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAndInvestmentsFairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredDetails">
        <link:definition>2402408 - Disclosure - Fair value of financial instruments and investments - Fair Value Liabilities Measured (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAndInvestmentsMarketableSecuritiesBalanceSheetDisclosuresDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAndInvestmentsMarketableSecuritiesBalanceSheetDisclosuresDetails">
        <link:definition>2402406 - Disclosure - Fair value of financial instruments and investments - Marketable Securities, Balance Sheet Disclosures (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAndInvestmentsMarketableSecuritiesUnrealizedGainsLossesDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAndInvestmentsMarketableSecuritiesUnrealizedGainsLossesDetails">
        <link:definition>2402404 - Disclosure - Fair value of financial instruments and investments - Marketable Securities, Unrealized Gains (Losses) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAndInvestmentsNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAndInvestmentsNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>2402402 - Disclosure - Fair value of financial instruments and investments - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAndInvestmentsScheduleOfFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAndInvestmentsScheduleOfFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails">
        <link:definition>2402403 - Disclosure - Fair value of financial instruments and investments - Schedule of financial assets and liabilities (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAndInvestmentsSummaryOfChangesInFairValueOfCompanysLevel3ValuationDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAndInvestmentsSummaryOfChangesInFairValueOfCompanysLevel3ValuationDetails">
        <link:definition>2402407 - Disclosure - Fair value of financial instruments and investments - Summary of changes in the fair value of the Company's Level 3 valuation (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAndInvestmentsTables" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAndInvestmentsTables">
        <link:definition>2302301 - Disclosure - Fair value of financial instruments and investments (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FixedAssets" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/FixedAssets">
        <link:definition>2104100 - Disclosure - Fixed assets</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FixedAssetsDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/FixedAssetsDetails">
        <link:definition>2404402 - Disclosure - Fixed assets (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FixedAssetsTables" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/FixedAssetsTables">
        <link:definition>2304301 - Disclosure - Fixed assets (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="GeographicInformation" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/GeographicInformation">
        <link:definition>2116100 - Disclosure - Geographic information</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="GeographicInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/GeographicInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>2416402 - Disclosure - Geographic information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="GeographicInformationTables" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/GeographicInformationTables">
        <link:definition>2316301 - Disclosure - Geographic information (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxes" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/IncomeTaxes">
        <link:definition>2114100 - Disclosure - Income taxes</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxesDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/IncomeTaxesDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails">
        <link:definition>2414406 - Disclosure - Income taxes - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxesLossFromOperationsBeforeTaxDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/IncomeTaxesLossFromOperationsBeforeTaxDetails">
        <link:definition>2414403 - Disclosure - Income taxes - Loss from operations before tax (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>2414402 - Disclosure - Income taxes - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxesProvisionForTaxesDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/IncomeTaxesProvisionForTaxesDetails">
        <link:definition>2414404 - Disclosure - Income taxes - Provision for Taxes (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxesTables" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables">
        <link:definition>2314301 - Disclosure - Income taxes (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxesTaxRateReconciliationDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/IncomeTaxesTaxRateReconciliationDetails">
        <link:definition>2414405 - Disclosure - Income taxes - Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwill" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwill">
        <link:definition>2119100 - Disclosure - Intangible assets and goodwill</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillFutureAmortizationDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillFutureAmortizationDetails">
        <link:definition>2419403 - Disclosure - Intangible assets and goodwill - Future Amortization (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>2419402 - Disclosure - Intangible assets and goodwill - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillTables" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillTables">
        <link:definition>2319301 - Disclosure - Intangible assets and goodwill (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAndAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveItems" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAndAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveItems">
        <link:definition>2110100 - Disclosure - Other comprehensive income (loss) and accumulated other comprehensive items</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAndAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveItemsDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAndAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveItemsDetails">
        <link:definition>2410402 - Disclosure - Other comprehensive income (loss) and accumulated other comprehensive items (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAndAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveItemsTables" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAndAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveItemsTables">
        <link:definition>2310301 - Disclosure - Other comprehensive income (loss) and accumulated other comprehensive items (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="Restructuring" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/Restructuring">
        <link:definition>2118100 - Disclosure - Restructuring</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RestructuringNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/RestructuringNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>2418401 - Disclosure - Restructuring - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RevenueRecognition" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/RevenueRecognition">
        <link:definition>2112100 - Disclosure - Revenue recognition</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RevenueRecognitionBalanceSheetImpactsDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/RevenueRecognitionBalanceSheetImpactsDetails">
        <link:definition>2412405 - Disclosure - Revenue recognition - Balance Sheet Impacts (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RevenueRecognitionCashFlowImpactsDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/RevenueRecognitionCashFlowImpactsDetails">
        <link:definition>2412408 - Disclosure - Revenue recognition - Cash Flow Impacts (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RevenueRecognitionComprehensiveIncomeImpactsDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/RevenueRecognitionComprehensiveIncomeImpactsDetails">
        <link:definition>2412407 - Disclosure - Revenue recognition - Comprehensive Income Impacts (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RevenueRecognitionContractLiabilitiesRollforwardDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/RevenueRecognitionContractLiabilitiesRollforwardDetails">
        <link:definition>2412403 - Disclosure - Revenue recognition - Contract Liabilities, Rollforward (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RevenueRecognitionIncomeStatementImpactsDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/RevenueRecognitionIncomeStatementImpactsDetails">
        <link:definition>2412406 - Disclosure - Revenue recognition - Income Statement Impacts (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RevenueRecognitionNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/RevenueRecognitionNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>2412402 - Disclosure - Revenue recognition - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RevenueRecognitionRecenueRecognitionRocheAndSmaFoundationDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/RevenueRecognitionRecenueRecognitionRocheAndSmaFoundationDetails">
        <link:definition>2412409 - Disclosure - Revenue recognition Recenue recognition - Roche and SMA Foundation (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RevenueRecognitionRecognizedRevenueInPeriodDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/RevenueRecognitionRecognizedRevenueInPeriodDetails">
        <link:definition>2412404 - Disclosure - Revenue recognition - Recognized revenue in the period (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RevenueRecognitionTables" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/RevenueRecognitionTables">
        <link:definition>2312301 - Disclosure - Revenue recognition (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/SelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataDetails">
        <link:definition>2421402 - Disclosure - Selected quarterly financial data (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataTables" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/SelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataTables">
        <link:definition>2321301 - Disclosure - Selected quarterly financial data (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataUnaudited" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/SelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataUnaudited">
        <link:definition>2121100 - Disclosure - Selected quarterly financial data (Unaudited)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockAwardPlan" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/StockAwardPlan">
        <link:definition>2109100 - Disclosure - Stock award plan</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockAwardPlanAssumptionsUsedDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/StockAwardPlanAssumptionsUsedDetails">
        <link:definition>2409404 - Disclosure - Stock award plan - Assumptions Used (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockAwardPlanNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/StockAwardPlanNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>2409402 - Disclosure - Stock award plan - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockAwardPlanRestrictedStockActivityDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/StockAwardPlanRestrictedStockActivityDetails">
        <link:definition>2409405 - Disclosure - Stock award plan - Restricted Stock Activity (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockAwardPlanShareBasedCompensationDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/StockAwardPlanShareBasedCompensationDetails">
        <link:definition>2409406 - Disclosure - Stock award plan - Share-based Compensation (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockAwardPlanStockOptionActivityDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/StockAwardPlanStockOptionActivityDetails">
        <link:definition>2409403 - Disclosure - Stock award plan - Stock Option Activity (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockAwardPlanTables" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/StockAwardPlanTables">
        <link:definition>2309301 - Disclosure - Stock award plan (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SubsequentEvents" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/SubsequentEvents">
        <link:definition>2120100 - Disclosure - Subsequent events</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SubsequentEventsNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/SubsequentEventsNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>2420401 - Disclosure - Subsequent events - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies">
        <link:definition>2101100 - Disclosure - Summary of significant accounting policies</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesFixedAssetsDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesFixedAssetsDetails">
        <link:definition>2401403 - Disclosure - Summary of significant accounting policies - Fixed Assets (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesInventoryDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesInventoryDetails">
        <link:definition>2401405 - Disclosure - Summary of significant accounting policies - Inventory (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>2401404 - Disclosure - Summary of significant accounting policies - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies">
        <link:definition>2201201 - Disclosure - Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" roleURI="http://www.ptcbio.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables">
        <link:definition>2301302 - Disclosure - Summary of significant accounting policies (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
    </xsd:appinfo>
  </xsd:annotation>
  <xsd:element id="ptct_AccruedConsultingAndContractedResearchCurrent" name="AccruedConsultingAndContractedResearchCurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_AdjustmentstoAdditionalPaidInCapitalReceivablefromInvestor" name="AdjustmentstoAdditionalPaidInCapitalReceivablefromInvestor" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="ptct_AgilisMember" name="AgilisMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="ptct_AkceaMember" name="AkceaMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_AssetAcquisitionConsiderationTransferred" name="AssetAcquisitionConsiderationTransferred" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_AssetAcquisitionTextBlock" name="AssetAcquisitionTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_AssetPurchaseAcquisitionRelatedCosts" name="AssetPurchaseAcquisitionRelatedCosts" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_AssetsAcquiredInventory" name="AssetsAcquiredInventory" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesOverOneYearFairValue" name="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesOverOneYearFairValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableTradingDayPeriod" name="BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableTradingDayPeriod" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_BusinessAcquisitionNumeratorForCalculationOfNumberOfSharesOfEquityInterestsIssuedToAcquireEntity" name="BusinessAcquisitionNumeratorForCalculationOfNumberOfSharesOfEquityInterestsIssuedToAcquireEntity" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_BusinessCombinationConsiderationLiabilityDeferredConsiderationPayable" name="BusinessCombinationConsiderationLiabilityDeferredConsiderationPayable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_BusinessCombinationConsiderationLiabilityDeferredConsiderationPayableCurrent" name="BusinessCombinationConsiderationLiabilityDeferredConsiderationPayableCurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_BusinessCombinationConsiderationLiabilityDeferredConsiderationPayableLongTerm" name="BusinessCombinationConsiderationLiabilityDeferredConsiderationPayableLongTerm" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentAssets" name="BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentAssets" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentDeferredIncomeTaxes" name="BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentDeferredIncomeTaxes" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentNetAssets" name="BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteAdjustmentNetAssets" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccountsPayableAndAccruedExpenses" name="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccountsPayableAndAccruedExpenses" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedOtherAssets" name="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedOtherAssets" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_ChangeInUnrealizedGainLossOnMarketableSecurities" name="ChangeInUnrealizedGainLossOnMarketableSecurities" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="ptct_CollaborationAndDiscoveryAgreementsMember" name="CollaborationAndDiscoveryAgreementsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_CollaborationAndGrantRevenue" name="CollaborationAndGrantRevenue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_CollaborativeArrangementsNumberOfCompoundsInPreclinicalDevelopment" name="CollaborativeArrangementsNumberOfCompoundsInPreclinicalDevelopment" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_CollaborativeArrangementsNumberOfSignificantDeliverables" name="CollaborativeArrangementsNumberOfSignificantDeliverables" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_CollaborativeArrangementsResearchPeriodForApplyingDiscoveryTechnology" name="CollaborativeArrangementsResearchPeriodForApplyingDiscoveryTechnology" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="ptct_ComputerEquipmentAndSoftwareMember" name="ComputerEquipmentAndSoftwareMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_ContingentLiabilityMilestonePotentialAchievementsNetSalesMilestone" name="ContingentLiabilityMilestonePotentialAchievementsNetSalesMilestone" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_ContingentLiabilityMilestonePotentialAchievementsPriorityReviewVoucherAmount" name="ContingentLiabilityMilestonePotentialAchievementsPriorityReviewVoucherAmount" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_ContingentLiabilityMilestonePotentialAchievementsProductSalesPercentage" name="ContingentLiabilityMilestonePotentialAchievementsProductSalesPercentage" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityAmountsRecognizedBeginningOfMeasurementPeriod" name="ContractWithCustomerLiabilityAmountsRecognizedBeginningOfMeasurementPeriod" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityIncreaseFromCashReceipts" name="ContractWithCustomerLiabilityIncreaseFromCashReceipts" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_ConvertibleInstrumentsPrincipalAndUnpaidInterestPayableUponEventsOfDefault" name="ConvertibleInstrumentsPrincipalAndUnpaidInterestPayableUponEventsOfDefault" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="ptct_ConvertibleSeniorNotes3.0PercentDue2022Member" name="ConvertibleSeniorNotes3.0PercentDue2022Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoptionVariableConsideration" name="CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoptionVariableConsideration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="ptct_DebtInstrumentConversionPeriodOnOrAfterAugust202018Member" name="DebtInstrumentConversionPeriodOnOrAfterAugust202018Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdBusinessDays" name="DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdBusinessDays" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdConsecutiveTradingDayPeriod" name="DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdConsecutiveTradingDayPeriod" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdSalePriceOfCommonStockConversionRateProductPercentageMaximum" name="DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdSalePriceOfCommonStockConversionRateProductPercentageMaximum" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_DebtInstrumentFloorInterestRate" name="DebtInstrumentFloorInterestRate" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_DebtInstrumentInterestPaymentPeriod" name="DebtInstrumentInterestPaymentPeriod" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_DeferredResearchAndDevelopmentCosts" name="DeferredResearchAndDevelopmentCosts" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_DeferredTaxAssetsAmortization" name="DeferredTaxAssetsAmortization" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_DeferredTaxAssetsDeferredExpenseCapitalizedResearchAndDevelopmentCosts" name="DeferredTaxAssetsDeferredExpenseCapitalizedResearchAndDevelopmentCosts" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsLimitedbyIRCSection382" name="DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsLimitedbyIRCSection382" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditFederal" name="DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditFederal" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditState" name="DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditState" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesConvertibleDebt" name="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesConvertibleDebt" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_DepositsAndOtherAssetsNoncurrent" name="DepositsAndOtherAssetsNoncurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_DevelopmentAndRegulatoryMilestonePaymentObligationsPeriod" name="DevelopmentAndRegulatoryMilestonePaymentObligationsPeriod" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_DevelopmentMilestonePaymentObligations" name="DevelopmentMilestonePaymentObligations" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="ptct_DevelopmentandRegulatoryMilestoneMember" name="DevelopmentandRegulatoryMilestoneMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="ptct_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" name="DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="ptct_EarlyStageCollaborationsMember" name="EarlyStageCollaborationsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationPermanentDifferences" name="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationPermanentDifferences" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxCutsAndJobsActOf2017TransitionTaxOnAccumulatedForeignEarningsPercent" name="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxCutsAndJobsActOf2017TransitionTaxOnAccumulatedForeignEarningsPercent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="ptct_EmflazaMember" name="EmflazaMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="ptct_EmflazaassetacquisitionMember" name="EmflazaassetacquisitionMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanVotingPercentageLimitPercent" name="EmployeeStockPurchasePlanVotingPercentageLimitPercent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="ptct_Equity2009AndLongTermIncentivePlanAndStockIncentivePlan2013Member" name="Equity2009AndLongTermIncentivePlanAndStockIncentivePlan2013Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="ptct_EquityAndLongTermIncentivePlan2009Member" name="EquityAndLongTermIncentivePlan2009Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFiveAndThereafter" name="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFiveAndThereafter" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="ptct_FirstFiveYearsMember" name="FirstFiveYearsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="ptct_FurnitureFixturesAndLabEquipmentMember" name="FurnitureFixturesAndLabEquipmentMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="ptct_GrantAndCollaborationMember" name="GrantAndCollaborationMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="ptct_InducementGrantPlanMember" name="InducementGrantPlanMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_InventoriesAndCostOfProductSalesPolicyTextBlock" name="InventoriesAndCostOfProductSalesPolicyTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFiveandThereafter" name="LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFiveandThereafter" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="ptct_LiabilityDevelopmentandRegulatoryMilestoneMember" name="LiabilityDevelopmentandRegulatoryMilestoneMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="ptct_LiabilityNetSalesMilestonesandRoyaltiesMember" name="LiabilityNetSalesMilestonesandRoyaltiesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="ptct_LicensingAndCollaborationAgreementMember" name="LicensingAndCollaborationAgreementMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_LineOfCreditFacilityAdditionalCapacityAvailable" name="LineOfCreditFacilityAdditionalCapacityAvailable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="ptct_LongTermIncentivePlan2013Member" name="LongTermIncentivePlan2013Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="ptct_MarathonPharmaceuticalsLLCMember" name="MarathonPharmaceuticalsLLCMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="ptct_MidCapFinancialTrustMember" name="MidCapFinancialTrustMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="ptct_MilestoneAxis" name="MilestoneAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="ptct_MilestoneDomain" name="MilestoneDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_MilestonePotentialAchievementsRegulatoryApproval" name="MilestonePotentialAchievementsRegulatoryApproval" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_MinimumAgeOfAmbulatoryPatient" name="MinimumAgeOfAmbulatoryPatient" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_MinimumPercentageOfDebtPrincipalAmountByInstrumentHolders" name="MinimumPercentageOfDebtPrincipalAmountByInstrumentHolders" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_NetDeferredTaxLiabilitiesConvertibleDebtInstruments" name="NetDeferredTaxLiabilitiesConvertibleDebtInstruments" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_NetProductSales" name="NetProductSales" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_NumberofOperatingLeases" name="NumberofOperatingLeases" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_OperatingLossCarryforwardsForImmediateUse" name="OperatingLossCarryforwardsForImmediateUse" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_OperatingLossCarryforwardsInNextTwelveMonths" name="OperatingLossCarryforwardsInNextTwelveMonths" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="ptct_PercentageofSalesforRoyaltiesMember" name="PercentageofSalesforRoyaltiesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="ptct_ProbabilityofSuccessMember" name="ProbabilityofSuccessMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeTableTextBlock" name="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_RenewalOfMarketingAuthorizationPeriod" name="RenewalOfMarketingAuthorizationPeriod" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="ptct_ResearchAndDevelopmentEventMilestonesMember" name="ResearchAndDevelopmentEventMilestonesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_RevenueRecognitionMilestonePotentialAchievements" name="RevenueRecognitionMilestonePotentialAchievements" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_RocheAndSmaFoundationMember" name="RocheAndSmaFoundationMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_SaleofStockExerciseofUnderwriterOption" name="SaleofStockExerciseofUnderwriterOption" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_SalesAllowanceAndOtherRelatedCosts" name="SalesAllowanceAndOtherRelatedCosts" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="ptct_SalesMilestonesMember" name="SalesMilestonesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_SalesRebatesAndRoyaltiesCurrent" name="SalesRebatesAndRoyaltiesCurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_ScheduleOfInterestExpenseRecognizedRelatedToConvertibleDebtTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfInterestExpenseRecognizedRelatedToConvertibleDebtTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_ScheduleOfPurchasePriceTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfPurchasePriceTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorizedAnnualIncreaseAsPercentageOfStockOutstanding" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorizedAnnualIncreaseAsPercentageOfStockOutstanding" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorizedAnnualIncreaseNumber" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorizedAnnualIncreaseNumber" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorizedSharesSubjectToOutstandingAwards" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorizedSharesSubjectToOutstandingAwards" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantedExercisePriceAsPercentageOfFairMarketValueOfCommonStock" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantedExercisePriceAsPercentageOfFairMarketValueOfCommonStock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantedToStockholdersWithSpecifiedOwnershipPercentageExercisePriceAsPercentageOfFairMarketValueOfCommonStock" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantedToStockholdersWithSpecifiedOwnershipPercentageExercisePriceAsPercentageOfFairMarketValueOfCommonStock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodExercisePrice" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodExercisePrice" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="ptct_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsIntrinsicValueRollForward" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsIntrinsicValueRollForward" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardStockholdersSpecifiedOwnershipPercentage" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardStockholdersSpecifiedOwnershipPercentage" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_StockAppreciationRightsLiabilityOutstanding" name="StockAppreciationRightsLiabilityOutstanding" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="ptct_StockIncentivePlan2013Member" name="StockIncentivePlan2013Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_TaxCutsAndJobsActOf2017ChangeInTaxRateIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" name="TaxCutsAndJobsActOf2017ChangeInTaxRateIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_TermOfGrantProgram" name="TermOfGrantProgram" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="ptct_ThereAfterFiveYearsMember" name="ThereAfterFiveYearsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="ptct_TranslarnaMember" name="TranslarnaMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_UpfrontLicensingFee" name="UpfrontLicensingFee" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="ptct_WarrantLiabilityPolicyTextBlock" name="WarrantLiabilityPolicyTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="ptct_WellcomeTrustLimitedMember" name="WellcomeTrustLimitedMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
</xsd:schema>
