Somerville, Mass. — Gene therapy pioneer bluebird bio has officially completed its acquisition by global investment firms Carlyle and SK Capital Partners. The deal, finalized this week, transitions bluebird from a publicly traded company to a private one, with trading of its NASDAQ-listed shares now ceased.
The acquisition brings significant new capital to bluebird, aimed at accelerating access to its gene therapies for patients with severe genetic conditions such as sickle cell disease, β-thalassemia, and cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy. The financial infusion will support commercial growth, manufacturing expansion, and enhancements to the patient and provider treatment experience.
Leading the next phase of the company’s evolution is incoming CEO David Meek, a biopharma veteran with prior executive roles at Mirati Therapeutics and Ipsen. “This marks a new era for bluebird,” said Meek. “With strengthened financial support and leadership, we are positioned to build on our scientific legacy and significantly improve the commercial reach of our therapies.”
Carlyle’s Joe Bress, Global Co-Head of Healthcare, emphasized the firm’s long-term commitment: “We believe bluebird’s potential is extraordinary, and with the right backing and leadership, it can reach more patients than ever before.” Carlyle’s life sciences arm, Abingworth, also sees promise in the company’s pipeline and existing products.
SK Capital echoed the enthusiasm, citing the firms’ combined expertise in biopharmaceutical manufacturing and commercialization. “We’re proud to partner with David Meek and Carlyle to scale these lifechanging therapies globally,” said Aaron Davenport, Managing Director at SK Capital.
Joining Meek on the new executive team are Tom Klima as Chief Commercial & Operating Officer, Dr. Debasish Roychowdhury as Chief Medical Officer, Wendy DiCicco as Chief Financial Officer, and Ellen Forest as Chief People Officer—each bringing deep industry experience to bluebird’s renewed commercial push.
With a strengthened financial foundation and seasoned leadership, bluebird bio is now focused on accelerating the delivery of gene therapies to patients worldwide.
