Women – and pharma – in AI: Where are we now?

Novartis (NVS) and Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY) paused CAR-T cell therapy trials. NVS halted eight studies after three patient deaths, while BMY paused enrollment due to reversible inflammatory events. NVS's oncology trials continue. BMY's situation is less severe, with no deaths reported. Both companies face safety and development risks, with potential delays and increased costs.

Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) presented Phase 3 EXCALIBER-RRMM trial data showing iberdomide (ZENBEXUS) with daratumumab and dexamethasone achieved higher MRD-negative CR rates (41%) vs. standard therapy (21%) in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. The FDA granted accelerated approval for this combination in August 2026. Trial continues evaluating PFS and safety.

Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY) completed a Phase 1 study in China for BMS-986489, a combination therapy for relapsed small cell lung cancer. The study assessed safety and early anti-tumor activity. The trial's completion suggests potential updates on tolerability and efficacy may be forthcoming, supporting BMY's immuno-oncology pipeline in a key growth market.

Bristol Myers Squibb will lay off hundreds of employees in New Jersey by May 2027, part of a restructuring plan to save $2 billion by 2027. The company has already cut over 1,700 positions since January 2025 and saved $1 billion. Bristol Myers Squibb reported $48.2 billion in 2025 revenue and projects $46-47.5 billion for 2026.

Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) reported positive Phase 2 results for its experimental cell therapy, arlo-cel, in heavily pretreated relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. The trial met primary and key secondary endpoints, showing significant overall and complete response rates. The company also presented long-term data for Camzyos (mavacamten), showing sustained efficacy and safety in symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM) patients over five years. Shares of Bristol-Myers Squi

Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) received FDA accelerated approval for ZENBEXUS (iberdomide) in combination with daratumumab and dexamethasone for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. The approval is based on Phase 3 trial data showing improved MRD-negative complete response rates. ZENBEXUS carries boxed warnings for embryo-fetal toxicity and thromboembolism. Analysts forecast U.S. sales to exceed $1 billion annually by 2031. BMY shares were down 1.36% at $63.77 at the time of publication.