bluebird bio, a clinical-stage company committed to developing potentially transformative gene therapies for severe genetic diseases and T cell-based immunotherapies for cancer, announced that it will participate in a consortium led by Duke University’s Robert J. Margolis, M.D., Center for Health Policy to develop a broadly-supported path for value-based payment reform models for gene therapies and other innovative treatments.

“bluebird bio is focused on creating gene therapy products that have a dramatic impact on the lives of patients. Understanding the potential value of these treatments across the healthcare system is not easy, but it is critical that we all work together to develop new and effective payment models that work for all stakeholders, especially patients,” said Nick Leschly, chief bluebird. “Duke-Margolis is a national leader in health policy, and this consortium will bring together key stakeholders across healthcare sectors to create pathways for value-based payment. We look forward to the consortium’s ability to not only drive engagement but also help explore more creative, forward looking, and perhaps most importantly, concrete solutions that brings value first and foremost to the patient.”

The consortium—composed of patient advocates, payers, manufacturers, and providers, as well as experts in regulatory science, law, and policy—will collaborate to outline a path forward for payment reform involving innovative therapies, including genomic medicines for rare diseases.

“Moving from payment arrangements based on volume to those based on value is not easy,” said Duke-Margolis director Mark McClellan, M.D., Ph.D. “Our consortium members represent a wide range of perspectives but share a common goal of payment models that encourage innovation, resulting in better outcomes for patients at a sustainable cost.”

The initial phase of the project is expected to be completed in 2017.