Discovering the secret to success and innovation in commercializing biotechnology

Mitchell Finer, PhD, a scientist with expertise in biochemistry and molecular biology, who has had an integral role in the success of numerous biotechnology companies, including most recently as chief scientific officer of gene therapy innovator bluebird bio, shares insights on his experiences and what it takes to shepherd a biotech start-up to commercial success in an interview recently published in Human Gene Therapy Clinical Development.

In "There and Back Again: Mitch Finer on the Journey of Biotech from Start-up to Success," Human Gene Therapy Clinical Development Editor James M. Wilson, MD, PhD, Director of the Gene Therapy Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, asks Dr. Finer about the technology, timing, and other factors that contributed to the growth of companies such as bluebird bio and Cell Genesys.

Recounting the turbulent history surrounding the field of gene therapy, the recent early success of CAR-T therapy in treating leukemia with results indicative of the potential for long-term therapeutic benefit, and what Dr. Wilson describes as the "gene therapy renaissance," Dr. Finer states, "I think we are just starting to enter the mainstream with great clinical data from multiple vectors and clinical indications, and starting to be able to access capital like any other biomedical venture activity."

"Mitch has been a true pioneer in gene therapy beginning 30 years ago when he and I were postdoctoral fellows in Richard Mulligan's laboratory," says Dr. Wilson. "His perspectives and the state of gene therapy in current day biotechnology are incredibly important."