Novartis Pauses Experimental Cell Therapy Trials Following Three Deaths
2 sources across 2 countries · Indonesia · United Kingdom
Who reported this
- The Jakarta Post
- Reuters
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Novartis has paused eight clinical trials of an experimental cell therapy called rap-cel after three patients died. The halt was implemented on August 24 following reports of severe, life threatening immune reactions in which the body's defense system attacks its own organs. The trials targeted autoimmune and neurological disorders, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, multiple sclerosis, and myasthenia gravis.
Novartis stated that this type of severe immune reaction is a known risk of CAR-T therapy. The company is currently conducting a comprehensive review of the safety events with independent safety boards to determine how to detect dangerous side effects earlier. The company noted that its trials for lymphoma and leukemia were not affected by this pause.
Reports indicate that Bristol Myers has also paused similar CAR-T treatment trials for autoimmune disorders as a precautionary measure. Despite the trial halt, Novartis shares rose 4 percent on Tuesday as investors focused on the success of its oral multiple sclerosis drug, remibrutinib. The Swiss drugmaker also recently reported second quarter sales of 14.4 billion dollars, which exceeded analyst expectations.
How each side framed it
- Centre-left
- The coverage provided detailed medical explanations of the immune reaction and broader context regarding the company's financial performance and patent expirations.
- Centre
- The coverage focused on the factual announcement of the trial pause and the resulting impact on company shares.
Sources
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