2seventy/BMS’s Abecma Shines In Earlier Lines, But J&J/Legend’s Carvykti May Have Edge

Executives at 2seventy Bio, Inc. were tight-lipped during their second-quarter earnings call about detailed results from the Phase III KarMMa-3 clinical trial of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy Abecma (idecabtagene vicleucel) in third- to fifth-line multiple myeloma, but the data seem to leave the CAR-T therapy well-positioned to significantly expand its pool of eligible patients. However, the product’s chief competitor – Johnson & Johnson and Legend Biotech Corp.’s Carvykti (ciltacabtagene autoleucel) – may end up extending its reach into an even earlier-line treatment first.

Bristol Myers Squibb Company and 2seventy announced positive top-line results on 10 August from KarMMa-3, the same day that 2seventy announced its second quarter earnings. However, the partners did...