Bluebird is an important company in gene therapy’s reemergence. The company’s progress developing treatments for rare genetic diseases early last decade helped boost confidence in gene therapy at a time when the field was still recovering from setbacks. Now, gene therapy is a fast-growing field, with many publicly traded companies, a handful of approved products and dozens of startups raising record levels of investment from venture investors.
But Bluebird has had a bumpy ride since debuting as a public company in 2013. Shares swung wildly over the years amid various clinical delays and manufacturing setbacks, while competition from newer gene editing technologies dimmed the outlook for some of its treatments. At less than $30 per share, Bluebird’s stock currently trades at levels not recorded for eight years.
The approval of Skysona reflects Bluebird’s up-and-down story. It’s a scientific achievement, making Bluebird the first company with two marketed gene replacement therapies. (The company also successfully developed an genetically engineered cell therapy called Abecma for the blood cancer multiple myeloma. Others have multiple cell therapies approved.) READ MORE
By Ben Fidler
Source: biopharmadive.com
Novartis will acquire Mariana’s lead candidate MC-339, a radioligand therapy (RLT) designed to target small-cell lung cancer. Last year, Mariana had raised $175m in a Series B round from several funds and pharma giant Eli Lilly.
The company’s aspiration to expand the use of its obesity products to cardiovascular indications has been successful. In March, its blockbuster drug Wegovy was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases in obese or overweight adults.
Massachusetts-based Deciphera brings to the table an extensive kinase inhibitor pipeline, kinase drug discovery expertise, and a strong commercial and sales platform in the US and European markets that is meant to advance Ono’s capabilities and presence in the oncology space.
