bluebird bio Rebrands as Genetix Biotherapeutics Following Private Equity Buyout

bluebird bio has been acquired by private equity firms Carlyle and SK Capital Partners and rebranded as Genetix Biotherapeutics in June 20253.

The buyout marks bluebird's transition to a privately-held company with a new leadership team led by CEO David Meek3.

Genetix Biotherapeutics is focusing on a sharpened commercial strategy to deliver life-changing genetic therapies for underserved populations, especially those with sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia3.

The company holds FDA approvals for three gene therapies:
Lyfgenia (sickle cell disease), Zynteglo (β-thalassemia), and Skysona (cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy)3.

The rebranding is described by the new CEO as 'far more than a name change,' signifying renewed hope and commitment to expanding patient access and improving the treatment experience3.

The revised buyout deal gave bluebird shareholders an improved upfront cash offer ($5 per share instead of $3), with the option to retain or forego future contingent payments12.

The company returns to its original name, Genetix, first used when it was founded in 1992 as Genetix Pharmaceuticals before becoming bluebird bio in 20103.

Investment in manufacturing and operational scale is planned to better serve more patients and providers and to unlock the company's full potential in genetic therapies3.

This transition secures bluebird’s financial future after several quarters of financial instability and the risk of bankruptcy, once being a $10 billion-valued company12.

Sources:

1. https://www.biospace.com/business/bluebirds-private-equity-buyout-boosts-upfront-cash-for-shareholders

2. https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/after-holding-out-bluebird-bio-investors-get-board-sale-carlyle-sk-capital

3. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250918441126/en/bluebird-bio-Rebrands-as-Genetix-Biotherapeutics-Returning-to-Its-Foundational-Roots