Patient dies in Bristol Myers Squibb investigational CAR-T therapy 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.

In a subsequent statement sent to STAT, Bristol said this patient was treated for a series of other complications prior to receiving the CAR-T therapy, “confounding our ability to determine the root cause of the issue.”

STAT+ Exclusive Story