SOMERVILLE, Mass. / Oct 04, 2024 / Business Wire / bluebird bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: BLUE) today announced that the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors approved the grant of inducement awards of 242,500 restricted stock units (RSUs). This includes the previously disclosed 100,000 RSUs granted to the Company’s CFO, James Sterling, with a grant date of September 30, 2024 and 142,500 RSUs granted to 19 other employees, with a grant date of October 1, 2024 (collectively, the “Inducement Grants”). The Inducement Grants are subject to the terms and conditions of award agreements covering the grants and the Company’s 2021 Inducement Plan.

The RSUs approved under the Inducement Grants vest equally over four years, with 25% vesting each year on the anniversary of the vesting date.

The Company granted the RSUs as inducement materials to James Sterling and each other individual entering into employment with bluebird bio, Inc. in accordance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).

About bluebird bio, Inc.

bluebird bio is pursuing curative gene therapies to give patients and their families more bluebird days.

Founded in 2010, bluebird has been setting the standard for gene therapy for more than a decade—first as a scientific pioneer and now as a commercial leader. bluebird has an unrivaled track record in bringing the promise of gene therapy out of clinical studies and into the real-world setting, having secured FDA approvals for three therapies in under two years. Today, we are proving and scaling the commercial model for gene therapy and delivering innovative solutions for access to patients, providers, and payers.

With a dedicated focus on severe genetic diseases, bluebird has the largest and deepest ex-vivo gene therapy data set in the field, with industry-leading programs for sickle cell disease, β-thalassemia and cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy. We custom design each of our therapies to address the underlying cause of disease and have developed in-depth and effective analytical methods to understand the safety of our lentiviral vector technologies and drive the field of gene therapy forward.

bluebird continues to forge new paths as a standalone commercial gene therapy company, combining our real-world experience with a deep commitment to patient communities and a people-centric culture that attracts and grows a diverse flock of dedicated birds.