Pfizer acquires Bamboo Therapeutics

Pfizer Inc. this week announced the acquisition of biotechnology company Bamboo Therapeutics Inc. 

Bamboo's primary focus is on developing gene therapies for rare diseases of the neuromuscular and central nervous systems.

“The field of gene therapy research has made tremendous strides in recent years, and we are pleased to be able to further enhance our leadership position in this area through this transaction with Bamboo,” Pfizer Worldwide Research & Development President Mikael Dolsten said. “We believe that gene therapy may hold the promise of bringing true disease modification for patients suffering from devastating diseases, and we hope to see this promise come to fruition — through new and existing in-house capabilities and potential partnership opportunities  in the years to come.”

Bamboo develops corrective genetic material that will be introduced to the body to compensate for defective cells. Many rare diseases are caused by a genetic mutation.

Bamboo's gene therapy portfolio adds several preclinical assets to Pfizer's gene therapy research. As part of the transaction, Pfizer also acquired a Phase I/II gene therapy manufacturing facility.

“We believe Bamboo’s industry leading capabilities in rAAV (recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus) vector design and manufacturing complement Pfizer’s rare disease strategy and help advance Pfizer’s mission to deliver life-changing innovation to patients with the greatest needs,” Pfizer Chief Scientific Officer, Rare Disease Research Unit, Gregory LaRosa said. “Bringing together Pfizer and Bamboo colleagues’ deep scientific understanding of both rAAV biology and complex biologic manufacturing will help position us for success in this area. We are pleased to welcome Bamboo colleagues to Pfizer and look forward to working together on transformative gene therapies for patients in areas of high unmet medical need.”