Boston, Massachusetts, January 7, 2026

Chip Baird, former CEO of 2seventy bio, has launched Poplar Therapeutics in Boston, securing $50 million to develop therapies targeting food allergies, asthma, and dermatitis. This initiative highlights Boston’s growing biotech ecosystem and its commitment to tackling major health challenges through innovation.

Boston Biotech Boost: Ex-CEO Secures $50M for New Venture

A seasoned biotech leader’s new venture, Poplar Therapeutics, aims to tackle significant health challenges in food allergies, asthma, and dermatitis, bringing fresh innovation to the Massachusetts life sciences sector.

Boston, Massachusetts – The launch of Poplar Therapeutics by Chip Baird, a notable figure in the biotech landscape, exemplifies the robust entrepreneurial spirit thriving in Boston, Massachusetts. This new venture, securing an initial $50 million in funding, is poised to address critical health needs, focusing on food allergies, asthma, and dermatitis. Such private investment in cutting-edge research and development is a testament to the region’s dynamic economic environment and its capacity to attract and cultivate pioneering enterprises.

Boston’s reputation as a hub for life sciences is continually bolstered by the vision and determination of individuals like Baird. The ability of innovators to readily access capital and resources within the city contributes significantly to job creation and economic vitality. This ecosystem, characterized by a willingness to embrace risk and foster scientific advancement, underscores the benefits of a supportive business climate that encourages new ventures and personal achievement, driving economic growth in Boston, MA. The consistent emergence of innovative companies highlights the strength of the Boston, MA business community and its capacity for sustained progress.

The Genesis of Poplar Therapeutics

Chip Baird, the former CEO of 2seventy bio, has embarked on a new entrepreneurial journey with the establishment of Poplar Therapeutics. This new Boston-based biotech company launched with $50 million in initial funding. Baird’s leadership at 2seventy bio culminated in its acquisition by Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) in May 2025 for $286 million. This successful exit not only demonstrated Baird’s strategic acumen but also provided capital and talent back into the biotech ecosystem, fostering a fertile ground for new endeavors. The decision to immediately launch a new venture reflects a deep commitment to scientific advancement and personal achievement, characteristics often seen among resilient Massachusetts entrepreneurs. Poplar Therapeutics represents a significant step in Baird’s continuing contribution to the life sciences, building on a proven track record to address new challenges.

Targeting Critical Health Challenges

Poplar Therapeutics is singularly focused on developing a new class of anti-IgE therapy to treat prevalent and often debilitating conditions: food allergies, asthma, and dermatitis. These immunological disorders affect millions globally, posing significant quality-of-life challenges and economic burdens on healthcare systems. Food allergies, for instance, can be life-threatening, while chronic asthma and dermatitis require ongoing management and significantly impact daily living. The company’s mission aligns with the broader push towards precision medicine and advanced drug discovery, aiming to provide targeted solutions for complex immunological disorders. This commitment to tackling widespread health concerns through scientific advancement is a key driver for the biotech sector in Boston, MA, showcasing how entrepreneurial innovation can directly improve public well-being.

Boston’s Enduring Biotech Leadership

Boston, MA, continues to solidify its position as a global leader in the biotech and life sciences industry, a testament to its unique blend of resources and expertise. The city’s robust ecosystem comprises world-class research institutions such as Harvard University and MIT, a highly skilled workforce fueled by these academic powerhouses, and a vibrant venture capital community eager to invest in promising innovations. This concentration of talent, capital, and intellectual property creates an unparalleled environment for innovation. New companies like Poplar Therapeutics benefit immensely from this synergistic environment, which fosters collaboration, accelerates research, and facilitates the translation of scientific discoveries into tangible therapies. The presence of established regulatory pathways, coupled with a culture that champions scientific inquiry and private sector initiative, ensures that Boston remains at the forefront of biological and pharmaceutical breakthroughs. This concentrated hub of expertise and resources is instrumental in attracting significant private investment and nurturing Boston small business growth within the life sciences sector.

Private Investment Fuels Innovation

The substantial $50 million investment secured by Poplar Therapeutics underscores the significant confidence investors place in Boston’s biotech sector and the potential for ground-breaking scientific advancements. Private funding plays a crucial role in enabling startups to progress rapidly from concept to clinical development, often with greater agility and risk tolerance than publicly funded initiatives. This capital allows for specialized talent acquisition, state-of-the-art facility development, and rigorous research programs, accelerating the pace of innovation and fostering significant economic growth. This injection of capital not only supports the direct research and development efforts of Poplar Therapeutics but also creates high-value jobs and stimulates activity across the broader local economy. The ability of such private sector-led initiatives to swiftly mobilize resources is vital for the continuous evolution and expansion of the Massachusetts biotech landscape, showcasing the power of private enterprise to drive progress.

Entrepreneurial Resilience and Economic Impact

Chip Baird’s transition from leading a successful company, 2seventy bio, to founding a new one, Poplar Therapeutics, demonstrates remarkable entrepreneurial resilience and a deep commitment to continued innovation. This kind of dynamic leadership is a cornerstone of the Boston, MA, business environment. Successful ventures and their subsequent acquisitions, like 2seventy bio’s $286 million sale to BMS, often inject significant capital and experienced talent back into the local economy, fueling a virtuous cycle of innovation. New companies like Poplar Therapeutics are critical engines for the local economy, directly contributing to job creation, attracting further investment, and strengthening the overall economic fabric of the region. The life sciences sector, propelled by such entrepreneurial endeavors, remains a significant driver of prosperity and growth in Massachusetts, showcasing the positive ripple effects of a dynamic Boston small business ecosystem built on individual achievement and private initiative.

Conclusion

The launch of Poplar Therapeutics, spearheaded by seasoned biotech leader Chip Baird and backed by $50 million in private investment, is a prime example of the innovative spirit and economic vitality that define Boston, Massachusetts. This new venture not only promises to advance treatments for significant health challenges but also reinforces Boston’s status as a global biotech hub. The determination of Massachusetts entrepreneurs and the critical role of private capital are essential ingredients in fostering sustained economic growth and creating valuable opportunities for the community. We encourage our readers to continue supporting the local innovation ecosystem and stay engaged with Boston’s dynamic economic future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Poplar Therapeutics?

Poplar Therapeutics is a new Boston-based biotech company launched by Chip Baird, the former CEO of 2seventy bio. It secured $50 million in initial funding and is focused on developing a drug for food allergies, asthma, and dermatitis.

Who is Chip Baird?

Chip Baird is the former CEO of 2seventy bio. He has launched a new biotech company in Boston called Poplar Therapeutics.

How much funding did Poplar Therapeutics secure?

Poplar Therapeutics secured $50 million in initial funding.

What conditions will Poplar Therapeutics’ drug target?

Poplar Therapeutics aims to develop a drug for food allergies, asthma, and dermatitis.

What was the acquisition value of 2seventy bio?

2seventy bio was acquired by BMS in May 2025 for $286 million.

Key Features of Poplar Therapeutics

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Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER

The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.