Cambridge-based gene therapy developer bluebird bio said today it has been awarded $9.3 million from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to support a Phase 1/2 study for the companys product LentiGlobin, which is designed to treat a group of inherited blood disorders.

The study will be initiated in the United States next year.

LentiGlobin introduces a full functional human beta-globin gene into the patients own hematopoietic stem cells, which ultimately produce fully functioning red blood cells. The company is currently conducting a Phase 1/2 trial examining the feasibility, safety and efficacy of LentiGlobin in treating beta-thalassemia and sickle cell disease.

The CIRM award is among the first awards under the agencys Strategic Partnership Awards initiative, which is designed to engage more effectively with industry and increase outside investment in CIRM-funded stem cell research.

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Bluebird bio lands $9.3M for study