Also known as: Abecma, ide-cel
Idecabtagene vicleucel is a BCMA-directed autologous CAR-T cell immunotherapy marketed as Abecma for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. It is a personalized treatment made from the patient's own T cells that are genetically modified and reinfused. The FDA first approved it on March 26, 2021.
Bristol Myers Squibb said 2025 revenue was flat as a 17% increase in growth-portfolio sales offset a 15% decline in legacy drugs. The company expects legacy sales to fall another 12-16% in 2026, with newer products such as Opdivo, Reblozyl and Breyanzi supporting results.
A multinational survey shows bridging therapy is used for over 85% of multiple myeloma patients awaiting CAR T-cell therapy, with proteasome inhibitors being the most common approach. Most centers lack standardized protocols and typically bridge patients for 1-2 months, with regimen selection driven primarily by prior therapy history and disease burden.
A study of 366 patients found ide-cel CAR-T cell therapy achieved 81.6% overall response rate in patients 70 or older with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, with median progression-free survival of 18.9 months versus 5.7 months with standard regimens.
Healthcare sector surged 10% since Q4 2025, outpacing all S&P 500 sectors as investors rotate from tech to pharmaceutical value plays. Major drugmakers demonstrate resilience following Medicare price negotiations implementation.
Bristol Myers Squibb's growth portfolio increased 17% in 2025, partially offsetting a 15% decline in legacy products facing generic competition. The company's stock gained 11.4% in the past month on strong fourth-quarter results.
CAR T-cell therapy market advances with AI-driven manufacturing improvements and over 250 companies developing 500+ drug candidates, including breakthrough solid tumor treatments and GPC3-targeted therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma.
CAR T-cell therapy is delivering high remission rates for multiple myeloma patients, with improved handoff communication reducing infection risks. FDA-approved BCMA-targeting products show response rates from 72% to 98% in heavily pretreated patients.
Preclinical and early clinical data show carfilzomib can restore BCMA expression on myeloma cells after CAR T-cell therapy failure, with 6 of 10 patients experiencing renewed clinical responses in a small study.
| NCT ID | Title | Status | Phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCT06855121 |
The Norwegian Immunotherapy in Multiple Myeloma Study |
RECRUITING | |
| NCT06698887 |
A Study to Evaluate the Long-Term Safety of Idecabtagene Vicleucel Treatment in Adults With Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma in Korea |
RECRUITING | |
| NCT06357754 |
Transgene Assay Testing Service of Tumor Samples From Patients Who Received a Bristol-Myers Squibb Manufactured Gene Modified Cell Therapy and Have a Qualifying Second Primary Malignancy |
RECRUITING | |
| NCT06154902 |
Real-World Outcomes in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma Patients Treated, or Eligible for Treatment, With Idecabtagene Vicleucel |
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING | |
| NCT06045806 |
A Study to Compare the Efficacy and Safety of Idecabtagene Vicleucel With Lenalidomide Maintenance Therapy Versus Lenalidomide Maintenance Therapy Alone in Adult Participants With Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Who Have Suboptimal Response After Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation |
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING | PHASE3 |
