Bluebird bio

File:Logo for bluebird bio.png

Logo for bluebird bio

Bluebird bio is an American biotechnology company that focuses on developing gene therapies for severe genetic diseases and cancer. The company is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

History

Bluebird bio was founded in 1992 under the name Genetix Pharmaceuticals. The company rebranded to Bluebird bio in 2010. The name change reflected a shift in focus towards developing gene therapies.

Technology

Bluebird bio utilizes gene therapy techniques to treat genetic disorders. The company's approach involves inserting a functional copy of a gene into a patient's cells to correct the underlying cause of the disease. This is typically done using lentiviral vectors, which are modified viruses that can deliver the therapeutic gene into the patient's cells.

Products and Pipeline

Bluebird bio has several products and therapies in various stages of development:

• Zynteglo (betibeglogene autotemcel) - A gene therapy for beta-thalassemia, a blood disorder that reduces the production of hemoglobin.
• Skysona (elivaldogene autotemcel) - A gene therapy for cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (CALD), a rare genetic disorder that affects the nervous system.
• LentiGlobin - A gene therapy for sickle cell disease, a genetic disorder that causes red blood cells to become misshapen and break down.

Research and Development

Bluebird bio is actively involved in research and development to expand its pipeline of gene therapies. The company collaborates with various academic institutions and research organizations to advance its technology and discover new therapeutic applications.

Partnerships

Bluebird bio has established partnerships with several pharmaceutical companies and research institutions to enhance its research capabilities and bring its therapies to market. Notable partners include Bristol-Myers Squibb and Celgene Corporation.

Regulatory Approvals

Bluebird bio has received regulatory approvals for some of its therapies in the European Union and is working towards obtaining approvals in other regions, including the United States.

Challenges and Controversies

Like many biotechnology companies, Bluebird bio faces challenges related to the high cost of gene therapies, regulatory hurdles, and the complexity of manufacturing and delivering these treatments. The company has also faced scrutiny over the pricing of its therapies.

See Also

• Gene therapy
• Biotechnology
• Beta-thalassemia
• Sickle cell disease
• Cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy
• Lentiviral vector