Gene therapy rising: Bluebird soars at ASH, Pfizer builds platform

With the potential to cure debilitating diseases, gene therapy has become a darling of the biotechnology industry. The latest evidence: Bluebird Bio's 8 December after-hours stock market rise by 43.2% to $70 per share on data from four transfusion-free beta-thalassemia patients and Pfizer's investment in a gene therapy platform that includes a hemophilia B collaboration with Spark Therapeutics.