Bristol Myers Swoons on Test Results

Novartis (NVS) paused eight CAR-T trials after patient deaths, prompting Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY) to halt its own trials. BMY reported Q2 revenue of $13.0B (+6% YoY) and raised 2026 guidance to $49.0-50.0B. NVS reported Q2 sales of $14.4B (+3%) but reaffirmed guidance. BMY's growth portfolio outperformed, while NVS faces generic competition.

Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) reported positive Phase 2 trial results for arlocabtagene autoleucel (arlo-cel), a potential CAR T cell therapy for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. The study met primary and key secondary endpoints, showing significant overall and complete response rates in heavily pretreated patients. BMY's stock closed at $64.69, down 3.19%.

Bristol Myers Squibb reported positive mid-stage trial results for its experimental cell therapy, arlocabtagene autoleucel, in treating advanced multiple myeloma. The therapy met primary and secondary goals, showing meaningful improvement in response rates and complete cancer clearance in some patients. The company plans to present full findings at an upcoming medical meeting. Multiple myeloma is expected to affect 36,000 new cases in the U.S. this year, according to the American Cancer Society.

Bristol Myers Squibb's cell therapy for blood cancer achieved its primary goal in a mid-stage trial, according to the company. The therapy, lisocabtagene maraleucel, showed a 70% complete response rate in patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma. The results were presented at the American Society of Hematology annual meeting. The company plans to submit a regulatory application for the therapy in the first half of 2023.

Eli Lilly and Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) are investing in facilities at Generation Park in Houston, Texas. Eli Lilly committed $6.5 billion, while BMS is considering a $2.3 billion plant. The investments are driven by lower costs, tax incentives, and a focus on reshoring pharmaceutical manufacturing. Both companies expect to create hundreds of jobs. Generation Park offers infrastructure and proximity to key transportation hubs, attracting life sciences companies.

Bristol Myers Squibb and Novartis halted clinical trials for CAR-T therapies targeting autoimmune diseases due to safety concerns. Bristol Myers paused a zola-cel study after detecting ICANS cases, while Novartis suspended rap-cel trials following three patient deaths. Both companies are investigating the issues, with Bristol Myers reporting non-fatal effects and Novartis analyzing data. The trials aimed to treat diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, with initial results showing promise.