** Shares of gene therapy maker bluebird bio rise as much as 2.3% to 49 cents premarket; last up 1%

** Co says it will cut approximately 25% of its workforce as part of its restructuring to optimize cash flow break-even in H2 2025

** Restructuring also to reduce operating cash expenses by 20% - co

** BLUE says it will incur aggregate charged worth $3.7 mln as a result of restructuring, to be paid out through fiscal year ending Dec. 31

** As of June 30, 2024, co had 375 full-time employees

** As of last close, stock down 64.6% YTD

(Reporting by Kashish Tandon in Bengaluru)

((Kashish.tandon@thomsonreuters.com))