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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March&nbsp;29, 2023 </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="right"><B>Registration
No.&nbsp;333-<U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U><U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U><U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U><U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U> </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:4pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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<P STYLE="margin-top:4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:18pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>UNITED STATES </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:18pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 </B></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:18pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>FORM <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-8</FONT> </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:18pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><I>UNDER </I></B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><I>THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 </I></B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:24pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>bluebird bio, Inc. </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter) </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center>
<P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B>Delaware</B></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">13-3680878</FONT></B></TD></TR>
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<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(State or Other Jurisdiction</B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>of Incorporation or Organization)</B></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(I.R.S. Employer</B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Identification No.)</B></P></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>bluebird bio, Inc. </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>455 Grand Union Boulevard </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Somerville, MA 02145 </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(339) <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">499-9300</FONT> </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(Address of Principal Executive Offices) </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>2013 STOCK OPTION AND INCENTIVE PLAN </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(Full Title of the Plan) </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center>
<P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Andrew
Obenshain </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>President and Chief Executive Officer </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>bluebird bio, Inc. </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>455
Grand Union Boulevard </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Somerville, MA 02145 </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(339) <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">499-9300</FONT> </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(Name and Address of Agent For Service) (Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent For Service) </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><I>Copy to: </I></B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Peter
N. Handrinos, Esq. </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Latham&nbsp;&amp; Watkins LLP </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>200 Clarendon Street </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Boston, Massachusetts 02116 </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(617) <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">948-6000</FONT> </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center>
<P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Indicate by check mark whether
the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">non-accelerated</FONT> filer, small reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of &#147;large accelerated filer,&#148;
&#147;accelerated filer,&#148; &#147;small reporting company,&#148; and &#147;emerging growth company&#148; in Rule <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">12b-2</FONT> of the Exchange Act. </P>
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<TD VALIGN="bottom">Large&nbsp;accelerated&nbsp;filer</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&#9744;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">Accelerated&nbsp;filer</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&#9744;</TD></TR>
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<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
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<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">Non-accelerated</FONT> filer</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&#9746;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">Smaller&nbsp;reporting&nbsp;company</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&#9746;</TD></TR>
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<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">Emerging&nbsp;growth&nbsp;company</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&#9744;</TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period
for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section&nbsp;7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.&nbsp;&nbsp;&#9744; </P> <P STYLE="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="line-height:1.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;border-bottom:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="line-height:3.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><U>EXPLANATORY NOTE </U></B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">This Registration Statement on Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-8</FONT> is being filed for the purpose of registering an additional 3,316,932 shares
of bluebird bio, Inc.&#146;s (the &#147;Registrant&#148;) common stock to be issued pursuant to the bluebird bio, Inc. 2013 Stock Option and Incentive Plan and for which a registration statement filed on Form
<FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-8</FONT> by the Registrant is effective.</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><U>INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION
STATEMENTS ON FORM <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-8</FONT> </U></B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The information contained in the Registrant&#146;s registration statements on Form
<FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-8</FONT> (SEC File Nos.<A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1293971/000119312513269157/d557474ds8.htm"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">&nbsp;
333-189560</FONT></A>, <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1293971/000119312514084758/d686500ds8.htm"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">333-194340</FONT></A>, <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1293971/000095012315003637/blue-s8_20150225.htm">
<FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">333-202283</FONT></A>, <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1293971/000156459016013396/blue-s8_20160225.htm"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">333-209715</FONT></A>, <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1293971/000156459017002028/blue-s8.htm">
<FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">333-216179</FONT></A>, <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1293971/000156459018002715/blue-s8.htm"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">333-223132</FONT></A>, <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1293971/000119312519047054/d674761ds8.htm">
<FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">333-229768</FONT></A>, <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1293971/000119312520040467/d851315ds8.htm"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">333-236490</FONT></A>, <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1293971/000129397121000015/blues-820210223.htm">
<FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">333-253398</FONT></A> and <A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1293971/000129397122000017/blues-820220304.htm"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">333-263310</FONT></A>) relating to the 2013 Stock Option and
Incentive Plan are hereby incorporated by reference. </P>
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Item&nbsp;8. Exhibits. </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000; display:table-cell; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman; " ALIGN="center">Exhibit&nbsp;No.</P></TD>
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<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP STYLE="border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Description</P></TD></TR>


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<TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>4.1</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1293971/000119312513246004/d500108dex41.htm">Specimen common stock certificate (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the registrant&#146;s Registration Statement on Form <FONT
STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-1,</FONT> as amended, filed on June&nbsp;4, 2013 (File <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">No.&nbsp;333-188605)).</FONT></A></TD></TR>
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<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
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<TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>4.2</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1293971/000119312513269188/d559304dex31.htm">Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the registrant&#146;s Current Report on Form
<FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">8-K</FONT> filed June&nbsp;24, 2013 (File <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">No.&nbsp;001-35966)).</FONT></A></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>4.3</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1293971/000129397121000013/blue-20201231xexx32.htm">Amended and Restated Bylaws (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the registrant&#146;s Annual Report on Form <FONT
STYLE="white-space:nowrap">10-K</FONT> filed February&nbsp;23, 2021 (File <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">No.&nbsp;001-35966))</FONT></A>.</TD></TR>
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<TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>5.1*</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><A HREF="d425204dex51.htm">Opinion of Latham&nbsp;&amp; Watkins LLP. </A></TD></TR>
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<TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>23.1*</TD>
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<TD VALIGN="top"><A HREF="d425204dex51.htm">Consent of Latham&nbsp;&amp; Watkins LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1). </A></TD></TR>
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<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
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<TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>23.2*</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><A HREF="d425204dex232.htm">Consent of Ernst&nbsp;&amp; Young LLP. </A></TD></TR>
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<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
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<TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>24.1*</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><A HREF="#tx425204_1">Power of attorney (included on signature page).</A></TD></TR>
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<TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>99.1</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><A HREF="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1293971/000119312513246004/d500108dex103.htm">2013 Stock Option and Incentive Plan and forms of award agreement thereunder (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the registrant&#146;s
 Registration Statement on Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-1,</FONT> as amended, filed on June&nbsp;4, 2013 (File <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">No.&nbsp;333-188605)).</FONT></A></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>107.1*</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><A HREF="d425204dexfilingfees.htm">Filing Fee Table. </A></TD></TR>
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<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">*</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; " ALIGN="left">Filed herewith. </P></TD></TR></TABLE>
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>SIGNATURES </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-8</FONT> and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Somerville, Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, on the 29th day of March, 2023. </P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><DIV ALIGN="right">
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<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" COLSPAN="3"><B>bluebird bio, Inc.</B></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top">By:</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">/s/ Andrew Obenshain</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Andrew Obenshain</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">President and Chief Executive Officer</TD></TR>
</TABLE></DIV> <P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><A NAME="tx425204_1"></A>POWER OF ATTORNEY </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">We, the undersigned officers and directors of bluebird bio, Inc., hereby severally constitute and appoint Andrew Obenshain and Christopher Krawtschuk, and
each of them singly (with full power to each of them to act alone), our true and lawful <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">attorneys-in-fact</FONT></FONT> and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution
in each of them for them and in their name, place and stead, and in any and all capacities, to sign for us and in our names in the capacities indicated below any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration
statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
<FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">attorneys-in-fact</FONT></FONT> and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about
the premises, as full to all intents and purposes as they might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">attorneys-in-fact</FONT></FONT> and agents or any
of them, or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated below on the 29th day of March, 2023. </P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" ALIGN="center">


<TR>

<TD WIDTH="51%"></TD>

<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="48%"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:8pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><B>Name</B></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><B>Title</B></TD></TR>


<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">/s/ Andrew Obenshain</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">President,&nbsp;Chief&nbsp;Executive&nbsp;Officer&nbsp;and&nbsp;Director</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center">Andrew Obenshain</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(Principal Executive Officer)</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">/s/ Christopher Krawtschuk</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Chief Financial Officer</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center">Christopher Krawtschuk</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">/s/ Charlotte Jones-Burton, M.D.</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Director</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center">Charlotte Jones-Burton, M.D.</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">/s/ Mark Vachon</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Director</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center">Mark Vachon</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">/s/ John O. Agwunobi, M.D.</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Director</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center">John O. Agwunobi, M.D.</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">/s/ Elisabeth Leiderman, M.D.</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Director</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center">Elisabeth Leiderman, M.D.</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">/s/ Nick Leschly</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Director</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center">Nick Leschly</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">/s/ Najoh Tita-Reid</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Director</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center">Najoh Tita-Reid</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
</DIV></Center>

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[{"type": "S-8", "sequence": "1", "filename": "d425204ds8.htm", "description": "S-8", "secsgml_size_bytes": 31028}]
{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "bluebird bio, Inc.", "cik": "0001293971", "assigned-sic": "2836", "irs-number": "000000000", "state-of-incorporation": "DE", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-270922", "film-number": "23771768"}, "business-address": {"street1": "455 GRAND UNION BOULEVARD", "city": "SOMERVILLE", "state": "MA", "zip": "02145", "phone": "339-499-9300"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "455 GRAND UNION BOULEVARD", "city": "SOMERVILLE", "state": "MA", "zip": "02145"}, "former-company": {"former-conformed-name": "Genetix Pharmaceuticals Inc", "date-changed": "20040616"}}
S-8
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2023
Registration
No. 333-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM
S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
bluebird bio, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Delaware
13-3680878
(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
bluebird bio, Inc.
455 Grand Union Boulevard
Somerville, MA 02145
(339)
499-9300
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
2013 STOCK OPTION AND INCENTIVE PLAN
(Full Title of the Plan)
Andrew
Obenshain
President and Chief Executive Officer
bluebird bio, Inc.
455
Grand Union Boulevard
Somerville, MA 02145
(339)
499-9300
(Name and Address of Agent For Service) (Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent For Service)
Copy to:
Peter
N. Handrinos, Esq.
Latham & Watkins LLP
200 Clarendon Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
(617)
948-6000
Indicate by check mark whether
the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a
non-accelerated
filer, small reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer,"
"accelerated filer," "small reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule
12b-2
of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
☐
Accelerated filer
☐
Non-accelerated
filer
☒
Smaller reporting company
☒
Emerging growth company
☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period
for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.  ☐
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This Registration Statement on Form
S-8
is being filed for the purpose of registering an additional 3,316,932 shares
of bluebird bio, Inc.'s (the "Registrant") common stock to be issued pursuant to the bluebird bio, Inc. 2013 Stock Option and Incentive Plan and for which a registration statement filed on Form
S-8
by the Registrant is effective.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION
STATEMENTS ON FORM
S-8
The information contained in the Registrant's registration statements on Form
S-8
(SEC File Nos.
333-189560
,
333-194340
,
333-202283
,
333-209715
,
333-216179
,
333-223132
,
333-229768
,
333-236490
,
333-253398
and
333-263310
) relating to the 2013 Stock Option and
Incentive Plan are hereby incorporated by reference.
Item 8. Exhibits.
Exhibit No.
Description
4.1
Specimen common stock certificate (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the registrant's Registration Statement on Form
S-1,
as amended, filed on June 4, 2013 (File
No. 333-188605)).
4.2
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the registrant's Current Report on Form
8-K
filed June 24, 2013 (File
No. 001-35966)).
4.3
Amended and Restated Bylaws (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the registrant's Annual Report on Form
10-K
filed February 23, 2021 (File
No. 001-35966))
.
5.1*
Opinion of Latham & Watkins LLP.
23.1*
Consent of Latham & Watkins LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).
23.2*
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
24.1*
Power of attorney (included on signature page).
99.1
2013 Stock Option and Incentive Plan and forms of award agreement thereunder (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the registrant's
 Registration Statement on Form
S-1,
as amended, filed on June 4, 2013 (File
No. 333-188605)).
107.1*
Filing Fee Table.
*
Filed herewith.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form
S-8
and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Somerville, Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, on the 29th day of March, 2023.
bluebird bio, Inc.
By:
/s/ Andrew Obenshain
Andrew Obenshain
President and Chief Executive Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
We, the undersigned officers and directors of bluebird bio, Inc., hereby severally constitute and appoint Andrew Obenshain and Christopher Krawtschuk, and
each of them singly (with full power to each of them to act alone), our true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact
and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution
in each of them for them and in their name, place and stead, and in any and all capacities, to sign for us and in our names in the capacities indicated below any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration
statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact
and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about
the premises, as full to all intents and purposes as they might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact
and agents or any
of them, or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated below on the 29th day of March, 2023.
Name
Title
/s/ Andrew Obenshain
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Andrew Obenshain
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Christopher Krawtschuk
Chief Financial Officer
Christopher Krawtschuk
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ Charlotte Jones-Burton, M.D.
Director
Charlotte Jones-Burton, M.D.
/s/ Mark Vachon
Director
Mark Vachon
/s/ John O. Agwunobi, M.D.
Director
John O. Agwunobi, M.D.
/s/ Elisabeth Leiderman, M.D.
Director
Elisabeth Leiderman, M.D.
/s/ Nick Leschly
Director
Nick Leschly
/s/ Najoh Tita-Reid
Director
Najoh Tita-Reid