J&J Quickly Advances BCMA-Targeting CAR-T As JNJ-4528 Shows 100% Response

Phase Ib data at ASH look competitive with new pivotal trial results for Bristol/bluebird’s leading BCMA CAR-T bb2121. The Phase II portion of the CARTITUDE-1 study for JNJ-4528 is fully enrolled.

3d illustration of T cells or cancer cells — Myeloma patients have responded well to T-cells engineered to target BCMA. • Source: Shutterstock

Development of Janssen Pharmaceutical Cos.’ JNJ-4528 is several months behind the most advanced B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeting chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, but the Johnson & Johnson subsidiary is running at full speed to generate pivotal trial results and move into earlier lines of multiple myeloma treatment based on strong Phase Ib responses.

Even so, Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. and its partner bluebird bio Inc. are working hard to maintain the likely...