Biotech Proposes Paying for Pricey Drugs by Installment

Bluebird Bio develops plan to sell gene-replacement therapy with annual payments contingent on continued effectiveness

A Boston-area biotech says it may have a found a way to handle the expected seven-figure cost of its experimental gene therapy: paying on installment.

Bluebird Bio Inc. is developing plans to sell its first gene-replacement therapy, for a rare inherited blood disease, on a five-year installment plan, with each annual payment contingent on its treatment’s continued effectiveness.

Bluebird,...