STAT+: Patient dies in Bristol Myers Squibb autoimmune CAR-T trial

Elaine’s stories explore the boom in new obesity treatments, new drug payment models, the ways companies are affected by FDA changes, and the emerging psychedelics drug sector. She co-writes The Readout newsletter, and co-hosts STAT’s weekly biotech podcast, The Readout Loud. You can reach Elaine on Signal at elaineywchen.70.Bristol Myers Squibb on Friday reported that one patient died after receiving its investigational CAR-T therapy in an early autoimmune trial, adding to safety concerns about a growing field of research. In a Phase 1 trial that tested the therapy in multiple sclerosis, a condition that causes muscle weakness and extreme fatigue, the patient experienced motor symptoms that did not resolve with standard autoimmune treatments. They were then given a potent immunosuppressant, but developed septic pneumonia and died, Bristol said in a press release. This comes as safety events in CAR-T autoimmune trials have started to emerge. In September, in response to questions from analysts and reporters, Bristol said it paused studies of its therapy after observing “transient and reversible inflammatory events during routine study surveillance.” Around the same time, Novartis, also in response to questions, disclosed that three patients died in its CAR-T autoimmune studies after experiencing a condition in which the immune system becomes overactive. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily coverage and analysis of the biotech sector — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe