Lessons From Bluebird Bio: How To Launch Advanced Therapies in Germany

Outcomes-based deals are important for launching cell and gene therapies in Germany, but bluebird bio’s painful experience with Zynteglo shows the importance of the taking the right approach to ensure market success.

German Flag and Map
Zynteglo experience offers lessons on launching ATMPs in Germany • Source: Alamy

The unpalatably low price ultimately awarded to bluebird bio’s gene therapy Zynteglo in Germany and the company’s subsequent decision to withdraw the product from that key European market should serve as lessons to other ATMP manufacturers.

Legal expert Alexander Natz, founder of the Düsseldorf-based law firm Novacos Rechtsanwälte, said companies wanting to launch their own cell or gene therapies in Germany should pay attention to what...

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