The company’s novel approach uses stem cells harvested from the patient’s bone marrow into which a healthy version of the disease causing gene is inserted.
After being grown in culture, the cells are given back to the patient.
bluebird bio has two later stage clinical products in development for childhood cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (CCALD) and beta-thalassemia/sickle cell anemia.
bluebird bio president and CEO Nick Leschly said the financial stability allows the team to focus on driving forward their clinical trials while strategically investing in their pipeline and core product platform capabilities.
The financing includes a new investor, ARCH Venture Partners, in addition to support from existing investors Third Rock Ventures, TVM Capital, Forbion Capital Partners and Easton Capital Investment Group.