Novartis halts CD19 CAR-T trial after three deaths, Bristol Myers also pauses similar program

Novartis announced a pause to its CD19-directed CAR-T cell therapy trials after three patients experienced fatal immune reactions. The company said the deaths were linked to a severe cytokine release syndrome that occurred during treatment.

In response, Bristol Myers Squibb also placed its comparable CAR-T program on hold while it conducts a safety review. Both companies are evaluating the data to determine the cause and to protect trial participants.

The suspensions underscore ongoing safety challenges in developing CAR-T therapies for blood cancers and may delay timelines for these experimental treatments.