bluebird bio partners with Scottish firm on CAR-T cell therapies

Shares of US cell and gene therapy firm bluebird bio (Nasdaq: BLUE) rose 2.9% to $164.07 this morning, following news that it has signed a strategic R&D collaboration with Scottish immunotherapy company TC BioPharm to discover and develop gamma delta CAR-T cell based next-generation liquid and solid tumor product candidates.

“Emerging research suggests that gamma delta T cells may constitute a powerful platform for CAR T cell therapies,” said Philip Gregory, chief scientific officer of bluebird bio, adding: “TCB is a leader in the gamma delta T cell field, with extensive capabilities spanning early research, clinical development and manufacturing. The combination with our deep expertise in CAR T cell biology, translational and clinical experience with leading CAR T cell drug products, and powerful gene therapy toolbox, offers a high degree of synergy. This partnership aims to help realize the full potential of the gamma delta T cell platform to bring novel and transformative therapies to cancer patients with high unmet medical need.”

Under the terms of the agreement, bluebird bio and TCB will collaborate to discover and develop CAR-engineered gamma delta T cells for cancer targets and indications. TCB is responsible for development of all targets through Phase I/II, at which point bluebird has the exclusive option to assume sole responsibility for further clinical development and commercialization on a global basis.