On May 9, 2019 bluebird bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: BLUE) reported that it will host an Analyst Day in New York that will highlight significant progress in the company’s emerging immuno-oncology and severe genetic disease pipeline, provide updates on launch expectations for its first gene therapy product and share key aspects of its long-term growth strategy (Press release, bluebird bio, MAY 9, 2019, View Source [SID1234536037]). The company also is announcing a new research collaboration with Seattle Children’s Research Institute in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), a Phase 1/2 study planned in Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and programs in Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) and MAGE-A4 positive solid tumors.

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"bluebird is at a significant inflection point, with the potential approval and launch of our first gene therapy product this year and submissions for regulatory approval for potentially three additional products through 2022," said Nick Leschly, chief bluebird. "We have the opportunity to leverage our gene and cell therapy expertise across our platform and enable a steep innovation curve for next-generation products. We are fueled by what is just the beginning of our efforts to recode the science, systems and status quo to reach new innovation frontiers and make a significant impact on patients’ lives."

Further strengthening its leadership position in developing transformative first-in-class and best-in-class gene and cell therapies, bluebird bio will discuss several key milestones and collaboration updates across its research pipeline, which is focused on next-generation, disruptive solutions for devastating diseases. In addition to the two clinic-ready programs planned for 2019, the company is on track to submit 1-2 investigational new drug applications in 2020 and beyond.

"Relentless innovation is in our DNA at bluebird. Our 1-to-Many research strategy rapidly integrates and iterates our tools and technologies across our core platforms of gene editing, gene addition and cellular immunotherapy, to develop the next generation of gene and cell therapies with the potential to improve patients’ lives," said Philip Gregory, D. Phil., chief scientific officer, bluebird bio. "Our research engine, in partnership with our network of academic and industry collaborations, is designed to take on big problems that, if successful, will disrupt our field."

Research highlights include:

AML Research Collaboration with Seattle Children’s Research Institute: The research collaboration is intended to address two challenges of tackling AML, specifically the heterogeneity of the disease as well as the salvage of normal tissues with the potential for on-target/off-tumor targeting. Our T cell immunotherapy approach is expected to leverage technology that enables T cells to target multiple antigens on the surface of cancer cells as well as bluebird’s proprietary Dimerizing Agent Regulated Immunoreceptor Complex (DARIC) platform. By utilizing the DARIC platform in potential product candidates, we expect to be able to exert pharmacologic control of CAR T cell activity in vivo, allowing the investigator to switch on and switch off the activity of the engineered T cells in the patient as needed by administering a small molecule drug. Combined with Seattle Children’s world-class bench-to-bedside expertise in the arena of oncology cell therapies, the research collaboration’s goal is to rapidly accelerate development of potential new therapies for patients with AML.
Phase 1/2 Trial for Merkel Cell Carcinoma: An academic, proof-of-concept phase 1/2 single-arm study evaluating Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV) TCR-engineered autologous T cells in combination with avelumab (anti-PDL1) is FDA-approved and in the final initiation stages of trial approval at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center for the treatment of MCC, a rare neuroendocrine cancer. Exploratory clinical data generated by researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center exploring patient derived MCPyV reactive T cells in combination with PD1 axis blockade has shown promising depth and durability of response. Results from the academic phase 1/2 single-arm study are expected to inform next-generation T cell approaches including TCR engineering and checkpoint inhibition.
MAGE-A4: Through its collaboration with Medigene, bluebird has developed a next-generation MAGE-A4 TCR expected to enter the clinic for solid tumors in 2020. This co-receptor-independent TCR candidate has shown robust anti-tumor activity controlling tumors in a subcutaneous melanoma xenograft model as a single agent. Moreover, this highly active TCR can be combined with bluebird’s chimeric TGF-β receptor signal converter technology to "flip" the immunosuppressive signals present in the tumor microenvironment toward T cell stimulation and proliferation. This is the first collaboration target with Medigene of a potential six TCR products that the companies have agreed to work on together.
Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Candidate: Our DLBCL preclinical program builds on the knowledge gained from the current generation of CD19-targeting cell therapies by incorporating multiple next-generation technologies to potentially address both the depth and durability of response. Specifically, our potential DLBCL product candidate combines (i) dual-targeting directed to two novel antigens; (ii) within a unique CAR construction that is designed to enhance T cell activation; and (iii) gene editing for potential potency and durability enhancements, all in a single product candidate.
Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPSI): Our MPSI program is focused on the severe form of MPSI, an ultra-rare metabolic condition that causes severe neurologic impairment and organ damage, also referred to as Hurler Syndrome. In our academic collaboration with the University of Minnesota, we expect to leverage key learnings from our hematopoietic stem cell lentiviral vector (HSC LVV) platform technology to deliver gene-modified cells that can potentially cross the blood-brain barrier and express high and sustained levels of therapeutic enzyme. Preclinical data in the MPS1 mouse model demonstrates full molecular correction of the disease across all critical organs impacted by the disease, including the brain, following administration of an HSC LVV-gene-modified stem cell product. These robust preclinical data support the potential clinical application of this product candidate.
Webcast

To access the live webcast of bluebird bio’s Analyst Day presentation, please visit the "Events & Presentations" page within the Investors & Media section of the bluebird bio website at View Source A replay of the webcast will be available on the bluebird bio website for 90 days following the meeting.