The Scleroderma Research Foundation (SRF) welcomes the news that renowned immunologist Jeff Bluestone, PhD, has been named Managing Director at Vie Ventures—a biotech venture capital firm that advances therapies for autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases, including scleroderma. The firm was co-founded by SRF Board Chairman Luke Evnin, PhD, and Steven St. Peter, MD
Dr. Bluestone is a globally recognized immunologist and biotech leader whose work has helped define modern understanding of immune regulation, tolerance, and translational immunology. He also has a longstanding connection to the SRF, having served on our Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) from 2012 to 2022. As a member of the SAB, he worked alongside a distinguished cohort of other scientific leaders to help guide the SRF’s research program and was instrumental in shaping strategy and funding priorities to accelerate progress toward a cure for scleroderma.
“Jeff’s career has been defined by translating deep immunology insights into real therapies for patients,” said Luke Evnin. “His experience building scientific organizations and guiding translational strategy strengthens Vie Ventures’ ability to identify and support companies that can make meaningful impact across multiple autoimmune conditions, particularly by focusing on shared biological drivers across indications.”
Advances in immunology have broad implications across autoimmune diseases, including scleroderma, where immune dysfunction drives fibrosis and organ damage. For decades, Dr. Bluestone’s work has played a central role in translating foundational discoveries into new treatments. His contributions include defining key aspects of CD3 signaling and immune modulation, creating teplizumab—the first FDA-approved therapy shown to delay the onset of type 1 diabetes— and advancing therapies targeting T-cell pathways.
“Jeff is a rare combination of scientific rigor, a translational medicine focus, and collaborative leadership,” said Steven St. Peter. “Luke and I have each worked with Jeff in different professional contexts over many years, and we have tremendous respect for how he thinks about biology, patients, and risk. His decision to join Vie reflects a shared belief that the next generation of autoimmune therapies will require tighter integration between science, capital, and patient communities.”
As a Strategic Collaborator in Vie Ventures, the SRF is pleased to welcome Dr. Bluestone and looks forward to this continued partnership. Efforts like this support key priorities of the SRF: accelerating innovative therapeutics for scleroderma, elevating the disease within the biotech sector, and creating new opportunities to strengthen our research program.
