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Novartis, BMS Halt Autoimmune CAR-T Trials on Safety & FDA Clears Takeda's Mimrylo in Polycythemia Vera

Tue, Sep 1, 2026 15 min Hosts: Alex Mercer & Maya Patel
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Two of the biggest names in cell therapy just hit the brakes on the most ambitious idea in immunology - Novartis and Bristol Myers Squibb have paused their autoimmune CAR-T trials after serious immune reactions, with trade press reporting three deaths in CAR-T trials. Also today: nine more drugmakers sign on to most-favored-nation pricing, and the FDA hands down two blood-disorder approvals in one week - Takeda's Mimrylo and PharmaEssentia's Besremi - that just turned the myeloproliferative space into a live competitive collision. Plus: Eli Lilly buys Merida Biosciences, and Jazz's Ziihera scores a second survival win.Alex Mercer and Maya Patel host the Daily Roundup for August 31. Get the daily rundown in your inbox - subscribe at https://thepharmacloseout.com.

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