In a significant turn for the gene therapy sector, Bluebird Bio has announced its transition to private ownership through an acquisition by investment firms Carlyle and SK Capital Partners, valued at approximately $29 million. The deal marks the end of Bluebird's decade-long journey as a public company, which began with a $116 million IPO in 2013.
Deal Structure and Valuation
Under the agreement terms, shareholders will receive $3 per share in cash, with the possibility of earning an additional $6.84 per share through a contingent value right (CVR). The CVR payment is contingent on achieving $600 million in net sales within a trailing 12-month period before the end of 2027. The announcement triggered a 30% drop in Bluebird's share price to $4.9 on February 21, a stark contrast to its 2018 peak of around $150 per share.
Commercial Challenges and Market Dynamics
Despite developing three FDA-approved gene therapies, Bluebird Bio has faced persistent commercial challenges. The company's portfolio includes Zynteglo for transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia, Skysona for cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy, and Lyfgenia for sickle cell disease. However, market adoption has been hampered by pricing challenges, with Lyfgenia priced at $3.1 million per patient, competing against Vertex Pharmaceuticals' Casgevy at $2.2 million.
Financial Struggles and Strategic Decisions
The company's financial difficulties intensified following its 2021 withdrawal from the European market after failing to secure reimbursement agreements for Zynteglo and Skysona. This led to significant restructuring efforts, including a 30% workforce reduction in 2022 and an additional 25% cut in 2024, aimed at reducing operating expenses by 20%.
Critical Setback in 2023
A pivotal setback occurred in 2023 when the FDA denied Bluebird an expected priority review voucher for Lyfgenia, which the company had pre-arranged to sell to Novartis for $103 million. The FDA's decision was based on Lyfgenia's active ingredient already being present in Zynteglo. This unexpected development forced Bluebird to pursue alternative funding options, including a $150 million public stock offering and up to $100 million in financing through trade accounts receivable.
Market Position and Competition
The company's recent approval of Lyfgenia for sickle cell disease came simultaneously with Vertex/CRISPR's Casgevy approval in December 2023. However, the higher price point of Lyfgenia and intense market competition have contributed to slower-than-expected market adoption of Bluebird's therapies.
The privatization deal represents a new chapter for Bluebird Bio, with Carlyle and SK Capital Partners positioned to provide the necessary capital support for the company's gene therapy programs while operating away from public market pressures.
