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# 2 Companies Pause Some CAR T Studies
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/2-companies-pause-some-car-t-studies/
- Published: 2026-09-01T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T12:05:24.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: Drugs, #legacy-id-D5161714

Novartis and Bristol Myers Squibb have each paused some studies of CAR T candidates while adverse events are evaluated. *BioSpace* [reports](https://www.biospace.com/drug-development/novartis-pauses-car-t-studies-due-to-3-deaths-bms-follows-suit-after-safety-events?ref=fdaweb.com) Novartis suspended multiple studies of its rapcabtagene autoleucel (rap-cel) after three patients who received the therapy suffered fatal cases of immune effector cell-associated hemophagocytic syndrome.

Meanwhile, the report says, BMS froze some autoimmune trials of its zolacabtagene autoleucel (zola-cel) after observing transient irreversible inflammatory events.

The Novartis pause reportedly affects the Phase 2 AUTOGRAPH studies in various autoimmune conditions. The company also is said to be suspending Phase 1/2 trials of rap-cel’s safety, efficacy, and cellular kinetics in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, generalized myasthenia gravis, and certain types of multiple sclerosis. Cancer studies are not affected by the pause, Novartis told *BioSpace*. The report says it is unclear which BMS studies are part of the suspension.