Cambridge gene therapy developer bluebird bio said today it has completed a $60 million Series D financing round, which will be used to advance the companys clinical programs in severe genetic disorders, including childhood cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy, beta-thalassemia and sickle cell disease.

In this round, new investors Deerfield Partners, RA Capital, Ramius Capital Group and two undisclosed blue chip public investment funds joined existing investors ARCH Venture Partners, Third Rock Ventures, TVM Capital and Forbion Capital Partners. In addition, Shire PLC joined the round as a strategic investor.

With the proceeds from this funding and based on early clinical proof of concept results, bluebird bio said it will initiate a Phase 2/3 clinical study in CCALD in both the United States and Europe in 2012, as well as a second U.S.-based Phase 1/2 study in beta-thalassemia in 2013.

In addition, the company expects to initiate a more extensive sickle cell disease development program and invest in manufacturing, clinical and commercial infrastructure to support the upcoming clinical trials and pre-commercial launch activities.

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Gene therapy co. bluebird bio raises $60M

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