Bluebird, Celgene to co-develop anti-BCMA CAR T cell therapy for multiple myeloma

bluebird bio corporate development and strategy oncology franchise leader and senior vice president Joanne Smith-Farrell said: "Entering into this co-development and co-promotion partnership with Celgene is a significant step forward in building a fully integrated oncology franchise for bluebird and together, we are committed to rapidly advancing development of bb2121 for patients.

"The collaboration builds upon our extensive research and development capabilities in oncology and is a testament to the strong partnership that exists between our two companies."

The companies originally entered into a broad, global strategic research collaboration in 2013 to discover, develop and commercialize novel therapies in oncology, which included bb2121.

Celgene hematology and oncology president Nadim Ahmed said: "We are extremely pleased to advance our collaboration with bluebird on bb2121 and we believe this therapy has the potential to significantly impact the treatment approach and outcomes for patients with multiple myeloma.”

About the bluebird bio-Celgene Collaboration

bluebird bio and Celgene are collaborating to develop CAR T cell therapies targeting BCMA. The collaboration's lead oncology program, bb2121, is currently being studied for the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma.

For bb2121, bluebird and Celgene have joint responsibility for development, manufacturing and commercialization in the United States. Celgene will assume sole responsibility for drug product manufacturing and commercialization outside the United States.

bluebird bio and Celgene are also working together on a second clinical-stage anti-BCMA CAR T program, bb21217.

Source: Company Press Release.