Safety signals pause autoimmune CAR-T trials at Novartis and BMS
Novartis and Bristol Myers Squibb have paused several autoimmune CAR-T trials after inflammatory safety events were seen, including IEC-HS cases in rap-cel studies across lupus, myasthenia gravis, and multiple sclerosis, and transient inflammatory events in zola-cel programs. Both companies say the pauses are precautionary while safety data are reviewed with regulators, with cancer trials continuing. A faster production approach for CAR-Ts may influence toxicity, but the companies emphasize ongoing monitoring and a potential quick resume once reviews are complete.