CAMBRIDGE, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Aug. 27, 2013– bluebird bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: BLUE) today announced that it has been named a 2014 Technology Pioneer, a prestigious award from the World Economic Forum honoring the world’s most innovative technology start-ups. bluebird bio was selected for its efforts in developing gene therapies for severe genetic and orphan diseases.

bluebird bio’s gene therapy platform holds the promise of delivering a one-time treatment for a wide variety of diseases. The company’s initial focus is on genetic diseases caused by a known mutation in a single gene. Through the application of gene therapy, bluebird is developing product candidates designed to insert a functional gene into a patient, potentially correcting their underlying disease. In addition to genetic diseases, bluebird and its partners are also utilizing this technology to develop product candidates intended to treat various cancers, by targeting a patient’s own immune system to seek out and kill cancer cells in the body, offering a new approach to cancer treatment.

“bluebird bio is seeking to bring transformative gene therapies to patients” stated Nick Leschly, Chief bluebird. “We consider recognition by the World Economic Forum to be a rewarding validation of the team’s hard work and dedication to developing these innovative therapies for patients around the world.”

The World Economic Forum class of 2014 Technology Pioneers includes 36 innovative technology start-ups chosen for their potential to transform the future of business and society. Each year the World Economic Forum chooses its Technology Pioneers from hundreds of applicants that are vetted by a distinguished selection committee of technology and innovation experts.

The head of the New Champions at the World Economic Forum, David Aikman, noted: “The diversity of the innovative thinking and possible solutions they offer are why leaders from all sectors of society are interested in interacting with the Technology Pioneers.”

bluebird bio and the 2014 Technology Pioneers will be honored at the Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2013 in Dalian, People’s Republic of China, from September 11-13, 2013.

About bluebird bio, Inc.
bluebird bio is a clinical-stage company committed to developing potentially transformative gene therapies for severe genetic and orphan diseases. bluebird bio has two clinical-stage programs in development. The most advanced product candidate, Lenti-D, recently initiated a phase 2/3 study for the treatment of childhood cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (CCALD), a rare, hereditary neurological disorder affecting young boys. The next most advanced product candidate, LentiGlobin, is currently in a phase 1/2 study in France for the treatment of beta-thalassemia major and severe sickle cell disease. A second phase 1/2 study with LentiGlobin is expected to initiate in the United States in mid-2013 for the treatment of beta-thalassemia major.

bluebird bio also has an early-stage chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cell (CAR-T) program for oncology in partnership with Celgene Corporation.

bluebird bio has operations in Cambridge, Massachusetts, San Francisco, California and Paris, France. For more information, please visit www.bluebirdbio.com.