STAT+: We’re reading about a Bristol CAR-T trial pause, Pfizer offloading a shelved candidate, and more

Good morning, Jason Mast here filling in from Pharmalot’s Manhattan Bureau, where we’re sipping on a bit of instant this morning. With the right amount of steamed milk, the right amount of cardamom, it’s delectable. Trust me. Inside sources report Mr. Pharmalot’s steady hands will be back steering this ship after the holiday weekend. But in the meantime, here’s the news: Bristol Myers Squibb told regulators, researchers and patient advocacy groups in early June that it was pausing trials of its CAR-T therapy for autoimmune diseases after observing life-threatening side effects, the Wall Street Journal reports. The pause — along with three deaths in similar trials run by Novartis — only came to light after an analyst note and news reporting this week, raising transparency concerns. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe