Earlier use of CARVYKTI® demonstrated lasting treatment-free remissions at 2.5 years in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma

Rhea-AI Summary

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) reported updated CARTITUDE-4 Phase 3 results showing durable, treatment-free remissions with CARVYKTI as early as second line for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. In the as-treated standard-risk subgroup, the 30-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate plateaued at 80.5% (95% CI, 67.2–88.8) after a single infusion (median follow-up 33.6 months).

Of 176 patients treated in second line, 59 had standard-risk cytogenetics; all 26 patients who were MRD-negative CR at 12 months remained progression-free at 30 months. Translational analyses linked earlier-line use to stronger immune fitness (increased baseline CD4+ naïve T cells), which correlated with longer PFS.

Positive

• 30-month PFS 80.5% in as-treated standard-risk patients
• 100% (26/26) MRD-negative CR at 12 months remained progression-free at 30 months
• Translational data show stronger immune fitness after 1–2 prior lines (higher baseline CD4+ naïve T cells)

Negative

• Standard-risk subgroup size was small: 59 patients in as-treated analysis
• Durable remissions reported for standard-risk cytogenetics only; generalizability to high-risk not shown

Key Figures

Standard-risk remission rate 80% at 2.5 years As-treated RRMM standard-risk patients after single CARVYKTI infusion

Global CARVYKTI patients 9,000+ patients Clinical and real-world use worldwide

Patients treated early 176 patients Received CARVYKTI as early as second line in CARTITUDE-4

Standard-risk subset 59 patients Standard-risk cytogenetics within CARTITUDE-4 as-treated population

Median follow-up 33.6 months Follow-up in standard-risk as-treated cohort

30-month PFS rate 80.5% (95% CI 67.2–88.8) Standard-risk as-treated patients after single CARVYKTI infusion

MRD-negative CR group 26 patients (100%) MRD-negative complete response at 12 months, progression-free at 30 months

Lines of prior therapy 1–2 prior lines Associated with stronger immune fitness vs ≥3 prior lines

Market Reality Check

$201.93 Last Close

Volume Volume 6,879,009 vs 20-day average 9,482,150 (relative volume 0.73x) shows subdued trading ahead of this update. normal

Technical Shares at $201.93 are above the 200-day MA $170.27 and 2.83% below the $207.81 52-week high.

Peers on Argus

Ahead of this CARVYKTI® update, JNJ was down 0.27% while large-cap pharma peers ABBV, AZN, LLY, NVS and NVO also showed declines between about 0.56% and 2.21%, but no peers appeared in the momentum scanner, pointing to stock-specific rather than momentum-driven sector moves.

Historical Context

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 03	Consumer campaign	Positive	-0.0%	Eye exam self-care campaign with Naomi Watts targeting people over 40.
Nov 18	Regulatory approval	Positive	+0.2%	FDA approval of TREMFYA SC induction regimen for ulcerative colitis.
Nov 17	Clinical data update	Positive	+1.9%	TREMFYA Phase 3b APEX data showing inhibition of joint damage.
Nov 17	Oncology acquisition	Positive	+1.9%	Agreement to acquire Halda Therapeutics for $3.05B and its cancer platform.
Nov 06	FDA approval	Positive	-0.2%	DARZALEX FASPRO approval for high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma.

Pattern Detected

Recent positive R&D and oncology/immunology milestones have often aligned with modestly positive price reactions, though some approvals and campaigns saw slight divergences.

Recent Company History

Over the last month, Johnson & Johnson reported several innovative medicine milestones. A consumer-focused eye health campaign on Dec 3, 2025 had minimal price impact. In November, multiple TREMFYA® data updates and a new ulcerative colitis regimen, plus a planned $3.05 billion Halda Therapeutics acquisition, all saw modest positive reactions. Earlier, FDA approval of DARZALEX FASPRO® for high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma slightly pressured shares. Today’s CARVYKTI® long-term data further builds the company’s multiple myeloma franchise.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights long-term CARVYKTI® outcomes, with about 80% of as-treated standard-risk RRMM patients progression- and treatment-free at 30 months after a single infusion, and 100% of 26 MRD-negative complete responders still progression-free. Combined with >9,000 patients treated globally, it deepens JNJ’s multiple myeloma footprint alongside prior DARZALEX FASPRO® progress. Investors may watch for further survival updates, label evolutions, and how earlier-line CAR-T positioning interacts with existing myeloma regimens.

Key Terms

progression free survival medical

"which suggests a correlation with longer progression free survival (PFS)"

Progression free survival is the length of time during and after a treatment when a disease, such as cancer, does not get worse or spread. It is an important measure because longer periods of stability can indicate that a treatment is effectively controlling the condition. For investors, it provides insight into the potential durability and success of a therapy or medication.

minimal residual disease medical

"who achieved minimal residual disease (MRD)-negative complete response at 12 months"

Minimal residual disease (MRD) is the tiny number of cancer cells that remain in the body after treatment, often too few to show up on standard scans but detectable with very sensitive tests. For investors, MRD is important because it predicts the risk of relapse and can determine whether a therapy is seen as effective, influences regulatory and reimbursement decisions, and affects the size and timing of a drug’s market opportunity—like spotting the last weeds that can make a garden regrow if not removed.

complete response medical

"who achieved minimal residual disease (MRD)-negative complete response at 12 months"

A complete response is a positive outcome in which a company’s efforts to address issues or questions fully resolve the problem, often meaning that no further action or investigation is needed. For investors, it signals that concerns have been thoroughly addressed, which can boost confidence in the company's stability or decision-making. Think of it like a doctor fully treating an illness, leaving no remaining symptoms.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Follow-up data from CARTITUDE-4 show at least 80 percent of as-treated standard-risk patients remained progression and treatment-free following a single infusion as early as second line

Data suggest stronger immune fitness in earlier lines may be associated with longer progression free survival

ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) announced today updated results from the Phase 3 CARTITUDE-4 study supporting durable treatment-free remissions as early as second line treatment with CARVYKTI^® (ciltacabtagene autoleucel; cilta-cel). In 80 percent of as-treated patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) and standard-risk cytogenetics who were treated with CARVYKTI^® as early as first relapse, the disease did not progress and no further treatment was required at 2.5 years (30 months).¹ These results add to the body of clinical and real-world experience established across more than 9,000 patients treated with CARVYKTI^® globally.¹

Additional translational analyses demonstrated that patients receiving CARVYKTI^® in earlier lines had improved immune fitness, which suggests a correlation with longer progression-free survival (PFS).¹ These data (Abstracts #92, #94) were featured in oral presentations at the 2025 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting.

"These data suggest that a single infusion of CARVYKTI for standard-risk patients may provide additional benefit to patients as early as second line of therapy," said Luciano J. Costa, M.D., Ph.D.,* Professor of Medicine at the University of Alabama and principal investigator of the CARTITUDE-4 study. "Treating patients with multiple myeloma after first relapse offers the opportunity to achieve deeper and more durable responses, shifting the treatment paradigm closer to the possibility of long-term remission and, ultimately, cure."

"Our goal is to treat patients as early as possible, when they have the best chance for lasting remission," said Jordan Schecter, M.D., Vice President, Research & Development, Multiple Myeloma, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. "With more than 9,000 patients treated globally, CARVYKTI has demonstrated robust efficacy as soon as first relapse and is the first and only CAR-T to significantly extend overall survival versus standard therapies."

In the analysis of CARTITUDE-4 data, 176 patients received CARVYKTI^® as early as second line and 59 of those patients had standard-risk cytogenetics.¹ At a median follow-up of 33.6 months, the 30-month PFS rate among the standard-risk patients in the as-treated population appeared to plateau at 80.5 percent (95 percent CI, 67.2–88.8) following a single infusion of CARVYKTI^®.¹ Notably, all 26 patients (100%) from this group who achieved minimal residual disease (MRD)-negative complete response at 12 months following CARVYKTI^® infusion remained progression-free at 30 months.¹

Additionally, a translational analysis evaluated the relationship between immune biomarkers and PFS in patients treated with CARVYKTI^® in CARTITUDE-1 and CARTITUDE-4.² Using CARVYKTI^® after one or two prior lines of therapy demonstrated stronger immune fitness versus patients with three or more prior lines of therapy, characterized by increased baseline CD4⁺ naïve T cells (a type of immune cell that has not encountered an antigen) in peripheral blood.² Bone marrow tumor analyses from patients treated with CARVYKTI^® in CARTITUDE-4 also demonstrated a more immune-activated profile in patients treated after one prior line of therapy versus three.² These biomarker data identify potential immunologic factors associated with longer PFS and support the improved survival outcomes exhibited with CARVYKTI^® for patients treated as early as second line.² 

As CARVYKTI^® use has broadened across academic centers and community practices, Johnson & Johnson continues to collect and analyze clinical and real-world data to further characterize long-term remission outcomes and safety trends. This comprehensive experience across diverse patient populations provides an important foundation for expanding use into earlier treatment settings.

About the CARTITUDE-1 Study 

CARTITUDE-1 (NCT03548207) is a Phase 1b/2, open-label, multicenter study that evaluated the efficacy and safety of cilta-cel in adults with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), 99 percent of whom were refractory to the last line of treatment; 88 percent of whom were triple-class refractory, meaning their cancer did not or no longer responds to an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor and an anti-CD38 antibody.³ 

The primary objective of the Phase 1b portion of the study, involving 29 patients, was to characterize the safety and confirm the dose of cilta-cel, informed by the first-in-human study with LCAR-B38M CAR-T cells (LEGEND-2). Based on the safety profile observed in this portion of the study, outpatient dosing is being evaluated in additional CARTITUDE studies. The Phase 2 portion of the study is evaluating the efficacy of cilta-cel with overall response as the primary endpoint. The study involved patients with heavily pretreated RRMM who historically have an expected median PFS of <6 months and median overall survival of ~1 year.

About the CARTITUDE-4 Study

CARTITUDE-4 (NCT04181827) is the first randomized Phase 3 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of CARVYKTI^®. The study compares CARVYKTI^® with standard of care treatments PVd or DPd in adult patients with relapsed and lenalidomide-refractory multiple myeloma who received one to three prior lines of therapy. The primary endpoint of the study is PFS; safety, OS, minimal residual disease negative rate and overall response rate are secondary endpoints. 

About CARVYKTI^® (ciltacabtagene autoleucel; cilta-cel)

CARVYKTI^® (cilta-cel) received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval in February 2022 for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma after four or more prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.⁴ In April 2024, CARVYKTI^® was approved as the first and only cell therapy in the U.S. for treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior line of therapy including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and who are refractory to lenalidomide. In April 2024, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved a Type II variation for CARVYKTI^® for the treatment of adults with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy, including an immunomodulatory agent and a proteasome inhibitor, have demonstrated disease progression on the last therapy, and are refractory to lenalidomide.

CARVYKTI^® is a BCMA-directed, genetically modified autologous T-cell immunotherapy that involves reprogramming a patient's own T-cells with a transgene encoding chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that directs the CAR-positive T cells to eliminate cells that express BCMA. BCMA is primarily expressed on the surface of malignant multiple myeloma B-lineage cells, as well as late-stage B cells and plasma cells. The CARVYKTI^® CAR protein features two BCMA-targeting single domains designed to confer high avidity against human BCMA. Upon binding to BCMA-expressing cells, the CAR promotes T-cell activation, expansion, and elimination of target cells.

In December 2017, Janssen Biotech, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company, entered into an exclusive worldwide license and collaboration agreement with Legend Biotech USA, Inc. to develop and commercialize CARVYKTI^®.

For more information, visit www.CARVYKTI.com.

About Multiple Myeloma 

Multiple myeloma is an incurable blood cancer that affects a type of white blood cell called plasma cells, which are found in the bone marrow.⁵ In multiple myeloma, these plasma cells proliferate and spread rapidly and replace normal cells in the bone marrow with tumors.⁶ Multiple myeloma is the third most common blood cancer worldwide and remains an incurable disease.⁷ In 2024, it was estimated that more than 35,000 people will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma in the U.S. and more than 12,000 people would die from the disease.⁸ People living with multiple myeloma have a 5-year survival rate of 59.8 percent.⁹ While some people diagnosed with multiple myeloma initially have no symptoms, most patients are diagnosed due to symptoms that can include bone fracture or pain, low red blood cell counts, tiredness, high calcium levels and kidney problems or infections.^10,11

CARVYKTI^® IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION  

INDICATIONS AND USAGE 

CARVYKTI^® (ciltacabtagene autoleucel) is a B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, who have received at least 1 prior line of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory agent, and are refractory to lenalidomide.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME, NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES, HLH/MAS, PROLONGED and RECURRENT CYTOPENIA, and SECONDARY HEMATOLOGICAL MALIGNANCIES

Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients following treatment with CARVYKTI®. Do not administer CARVYKTI® to patients with active infection or inflammatory disorders. Treat severe or life-threatening CRS with tocilizumab or tocilizumab and corticosteroids.   Immune Effector Cell-associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS), which may be fatal or life-threatening, occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI®, including before CRS onset, concurrently with CRS, after CRS resolution, or in the absence of CRS. Monitor for neurologic events after treatment with CARVYKTI®. Provide supportive care and/or corticosteroids as needed.   Parkinsonism and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and their associated complications resulting in fatal or life-threatening reactions have occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI®.   Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis/Macrophage Activation Syndrome (HLH/MAS), including fatal and life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients following treatment with CARVYKTI®. HLH/MAS can occur with CRS or neurologic toxicities.   Prolonged and/or recurrent cytopenias with bleeding and infection and requirement for stem cell transplantation for hematopoietic recovery occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI®.   Immune Effector Cell-associated Enterocolitis (IEC-EC), including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI®.   Secondary hematological malignancies, including myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia, have occurred in patients following treatment with CARVYKTI®. T-cell malignancies have occurred following treatment of hematologic malignancies with BCMA- and CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T-cell immunotherapies, including CARVYKTI®.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Increased early mortality. In CARTITUDE-4, a (1:1) randomized controlled trial, there was a numerically higher percentage of early deaths in patients randomized to the CARVYKTI^® treatment arm compared to the control arm. Among patients with deaths occurring within the first 10 months from randomization, a greater proportion (29/208; 14%) occurred in the CARVYKTI^® arm compared to (25/211; 12%) in the control arm. Of the 29 deaths that occurred in the CARVYKTI^® arm within the first 10 months of randomization, 10 deaths occurred prior to CARVYKTI^® infusion, and 19 deaths occurred after CARVYKTI^® infusion. Of the 10 deaths that occurred prior to CARVYKTI^® infusion, all occurred due to disease progression, and none occurred due to adverse events. Of the 19 deaths that occurred after CARVYKTI^® infusion, 3 occurred due to disease progression, and 16 occurred due to adverse events. The most common adverse events were due to infection (n=12).

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS), including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI^®. Among patients receiving CARVYKTI^® for RRMM in the CARTITUDE-1 & -4 studies (N=285), CRS occurred in 84% (238/285), including ≥ Grade 3 CRS (ASTCT 2019) in 4% (11/285) of patients. Median time to onset of CRS, any grade, was 7 days (range: 1 to 23 days). CRS resolved in 82% with a median duration of 4 days (range: 1 to 97 days). The most common manifestations of CRS in all patients combined (≥10%) included fever (84%), hypotension (29%) and aspartate aminotransferase increased (11%). Serious events that may be associated with CRS include pyrexia, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, respiratory failure, disseminated intravascular coagulation, capillary leak syndrome, and supraventricular and ventricular tachycardia. CRS occurred in 78% of patients in CARTITUDE-4 (3% Grade 3 to 4) and in 95% of patients in CARTITUDE-1 (4% Grade 3 to 4).

Identify CRS based on clinical presentation. Evaluate for and treat other causes of fever, hypoxia, and hypotension. CRS has been reported to be associated with findings of HLH/MAS, and the physiology of the syndromes may overlap. HLH/MAS is a potentially life-threatening condition. In patients with progressive symptoms of CRS or refractory CRS despite treatment, evaluate for evidence of HLH/MAS.

Confirm that a minimum of 2 doses of tocilizumab are available prior to infusion of CARVYKTI^®.

Of the 285 patients who received CARVYKTI^® in clinical trials, 53% (150/285) patients received tocilizumab; 35% (100/285) received a single dose, while 18% (50/285) received more than 1 dose of tocilizumab. Overall, 14% (39/285) of patients received at least 1 dose of corticosteroids for treatment of CRS.

Monitor patients at least daily for 7 days following CARVYKTI^® infusion for signs and symptoms of CRS. Monitor patients for signs or symptoms of CRS for at least 2 weeks after infusion. At the first sign of CRS, immediately institute treatment with supportive care, tocilizumab, or tocilizumab and corticosteroids.

Counsel patients to seek immediate medical attention should signs or symptoms of CRS occur at any time.

Neurologic toxicities, which may be severe, life-threatening, or fatal, occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI^®. Neurologic toxicities included ICANS, neurologic toxicity with signs and symptoms of Parkinsonism, GBS, immune mediated myelitis, peripheral neuropathies, and cranial nerve palsies. Counsel patients on the signs and symptoms of these neurologic toxicities, and on the delayed nature of onset of some of these toxicities. Instruct patients to seek immediate medical attention for further assessment and management if signs or symptoms of any of these neurologic toxicities occur at any time.

Among patients receiving CARVYKTI^® in the CARTITUDE-1 & 4 studies for RRMM, one or more neurologic toxicities occurred in 24% (69/285), including ≥ Grade 3 cases in 7% (19/285) of patients. Median time to onset was 10 days (range: 1 to 101) with 63/69 (91%) of cases developing by 30 days. Neurologic toxicities resolved in 72% (50/69) of patients with a median duration to resolution of 23 days (range: 1 to 544). Of patients developing neurotoxicity, 96% (66/69) also developed CRS. Subtypes of neurologic toxicities included ICANS in 13%, peripheral neuropathy in 7%, cranial nerve palsy in 7%, parkinsonism in 3%, and immune mediated myelitis in 0.4% of the patients.

Immune Effector Cell-associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS): Patients receiving CARVYKTI^® may experience fatal or life-threatening ICANS following treatment with CARVYKTI^®, including before CRS onset, concurrently with CRS, after CRS resolution, or in the absence of CRS.

Among patients receiving CARVYKTI^® in the CARTITUDE-1 & -4 studies, ICANS occurred in 13% (36/285), including Grade ≥3 in 2% (6/285) of the patients. Median time to onset of ICANS was 8 days (range: 1 to 28 days). ICANS resolved in 30 of 36 (83%) of patients, with a median time to resolution of 3 days (range: 1 to 143 days). Median duration of ICANS was 6 days (range: 1 to 1229 days) in all patients, including those with ongoing neurologic events at the time of death or data cutoff. Of patients with ICANS, 97% (35/36) had CRS. The onset of ICANS occurred during CRS in 69% of patients, before and after the onset of CRS in 14% of patients, respectively.

Immune Effector Cell-associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome occurred in 7% of patients in CARTITUDE-4 (0.5% Grade 3) and in 23% of patients in CARTITUDE-1 (3% Grade 3). The most frequent (≥2%) manifestations of ICANS included encephalopathy (12%), aphasia (4%), headache (3%), motor dysfunction (3%), ataxia (2%), and sleep disorder (2%).

Monitor patients at least daily for 7 days following CARVYKTI^® infusion for signs and symptoms of ICANS. Rule out other causes of ICANS symptoms. Monitor patients for signs or symptoms of ICANS for at least 2 weeks after infusion and treat promptly. Neurologic toxicity should be managed with supportive care and/or corticosteroids as needed. Advise patients to avoid driving for at least 2 weeks following infusion.

Parkinsonism: Neurologic toxicity with parkinsonism has been reported in clinical trials of CARVYKTI^®. Among patients receiving CARVYKTI^® in the CARTITUDE-1 & -4 studies, parkinsonism occurred in 3% (8/285), including Grade ≥3 in 2% (5/285) of the patients. Median time to onset of parkinsonism was 56 days (range: 14 to 914 days). Parkinsonism resolved in 1 of 8 (13%) of patients with a median time to resolution of 523 days. Median duration of parkinsonism was 243.5 days (range: 62 to 720 days) in all patients, including those with ongoing neurologic events at the time of death or data cutoff. The onset of parkinsonism occurred after CRS for all patients and after ICANS for 6 patients.

Parkinsonism occurred in 1% of patients in CARTITUDE-4 (no Grade 3 to 4) and in 6% of patients in CARTITUDE-1 (4% Grade 3 to 4).

Manifestations of parkinsonism included movement disorders, cognitive impairment, and personality changes. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of parkinsonism that may be delayed in onset and managed with supportive care measures. There is limited efficacy information with medications used for the treatment of Parkinson's disease for the improvement or resolution of parkinsonism symptoms following CARVYKTI^® treatment.

Guillain-Barré syndrome: A fatal outcome following GBS occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI^® despite treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins. Symptoms reported include those consistent with Miller-Fisher variant of GBS, encephalopathy, motor weakness, speech disturbances, and polyradiculoneuritis.

Monitor for GBS. Evaluate patients presenting with peripheral neuropathy for GBS. Consider treatment of GBS with supportive care measures and in conjunction with immunoglobulins and plasma exchange, depending on severity of GBS.

Immune mediated myelitis: Grade 3 myelitis occurred 25 days following treatment with CARVYKTI^® in CARTITUDE-4 in a patient who received CARVYKTI^® as subsequent therapy. Symptoms reported included hypoesthesia of the lower extremities and the lower abdomen with impaired sphincter control. Symptoms improved with the use of corticosteroids and intravenous immune globulin. Myelitis was ongoing at the time of death from other cause.

Peripheral neuropathy occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI^®. Among patients receiving CARVYKTI^® in the CARTITUDE-1 & -4 studies, peripheral neuropathy occurred in 7% (21/285), including Grade ≥3 in 1% (3/285) of the patients. Median time to onset of peripheral neuropathy was 57 days (range: 1 to 914 days). Peripheral neuropathy resolved in 11 of 21 (52%) of patients with a median time to resolution of 58 days (range: 1 to 215 days). Median duration of peripheral neuropathy was 149.5 days (range: 1 to 692 days) in all patients including those with ongoing neurologic events at the time of death or data
cutoff.

Peripheral neuropathies occurred in 7% of patients in CARTITUDE-4 (0.5% Grade 3 to 4) and in 7% of patients in CARTITUDE-1 (2% Grade 3 to 4). Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathies. Patients who experience peripheral neuropathy may also experience cranial nerve palsies or GBS.

Cranial nerve palsies occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI^®. Among patients receiving CARVYKTI^® in the CARTITUDE-1 & -4 studies, cranial nerve palsies occurred in 7% (19/285), including Grade ≥3 in 1% (1/285) of the patients. Median time to onset of cranial nerve palsies was 21 days (range: 17 to 101 days). Cranial nerve palsies resolved in 17 of 19 (89%) of patients with a median time to resolution of 66 days (range: 1 to 209 days). Median duration of cranial nerve palsies was 70 days (range: 1 to 262 days) in all patients, including those with ongoing neurologic events at the time of death or data cutoff. Cranial nerve palsies occurred in 9% of patients in CARTITUDE-4 (1% Grade 3 to 4) and in 3% of patients in CARTITUDE-1 (1% Grade 3 to 4).

The most frequent cranial nerve affected was the 7^th cranial nerve. Additionally, cranial nerves III, V, and VI have been reported to be affected.

Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of cranial nerve palsies. Consider management with systemic corticosteroids, depending on the severity and progression of signs and symptoms.

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)/Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS): Among patients receiving CARVYKTI^® in the CARTITUDE-1 & -4 studies, HLH/MAS occurred in 1% (3/285) of patients. All events of HLH/MAS had onset within 99 days of receiving CARVYKTI^®, with a median onset of 10 days (range: 8 to 99 days), and all occurred in the setting of ongoing or worsening CRS. The manifestations of HLH/MAS included hyperferritinemia, hypotension, hypoxia with diffuse alveolar damage, coagulopathy and hemorrhage, cytopenia, and multi-organ dysfunction, including renal dysfunction and respiratory failure.

Patients who develop HLH/MAS have an increased risk of severe bleeding. Monitor hematologic parameters in patients with HLH/MAS and transfuse per institutional guidelines. Fatal cases of HLH/MAS occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI^®.

HLH is a life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate if not recognized and treated early. Treatment of HLH/MAS should be administered per institutional standards.

Prolonged and Recurrent Cytopenias: Patients may exhibit prolonged and recurrent cytopenias following lymphodepleting chemotherapy and CARVYKTI^® infusion.

Among patients receiving CARVYKTI^® in the CARTITUDE-1 & -4 studies, Grade 3 or higher cytopenias not resolved by Day 30 following CARVYKTI^® infusion occurred in 62% (176/285) of the patients and included thrombocytopenia 33% (94/285), neutropenia 27% (76/285), lymphopenia 24% (67/285), and anemia 2% (6/285). After Day 60 following CARVYKTI^® infusion, 22%, 20%, 5%, and 6% of patients had a recurrence of Grade 3 or 4 lymphopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia, respectively, after initial recovery of their Grade 3 or 4 cytopenia. Seventy-seven percent (219/285) of patients had one, two, or three or more recurrences of Grade 3 or 4 cytopenias after initial recovery of Grade 3 or 4 cytopenia. Sixteen and 25 patients had Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, respectively, at the time of death.

Monitor blood counts prior to and after CARVYKTI^® infusion. Manage cytopenias with growth factors and blood product transfusion support according to local institutional guidelines.

Infections: CARVYKTI^® should not be administered to patients with active infection or inflammatory disorders. Severe, life-threatening, or fatal infections occurred in patients after CARVYKTI^® infusion.

Among patients receiving CARVYKTI^® in the CARTITUDE-1 & -4 studies, infections occurred in 57% (163/285), including Grade ≥3 in 24% (69/285) of patients. Grade 3 or 4 infections with an unspecified pathogen occurred in 12%, viral infections in 6%, bacterial infections in 5%, and fungal infections in 1% of patients. Overall, 5% (13/285) of patients had Grade 5 infections, 2.5% of which were due to COVID-19. Patients treated with CARVYKTI^® had an increased rate of fatal COVID-19 infections compared to the standard therapy arm.

Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection before and after CARVYKTI^® infusion and treat patients appropriately. Administer prophylactic, pre-emptive, and/or therapeutic antimicrobials according to the standard institutional guidelines. Febrile neutropenia was observed in 5% of patients after CARVYKTI^® infusion and may be concurrent with CRS. In the event of febrile neutropenia, evaluate for infection and manage with broad-spectrum antibiotics, fluids, and other supportive care, as medically indicated. Counsel patients on the importance of prevention measures. Follow institutional guidelines for the vaccination and management of immunocompromised patients with COVID-19.

Viral Reactivation: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death, can occur in patients with hypogammaglobulinemia. Perform screening for Cytomegalovirus (CMV), HBV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or any other infectious agents if clinically indicated in accordance with clinical guidelines before collection of cells for manufacturing. Consider antiviral therapy to prevent viral reactivation per local institutional guidelines/clinical practice.

Reactivation of John Cunningham (JC) virus, leading to progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), including cases with fatal outcomes, have been reported following treatment. Perform appropriate diagnostic evaluations in patients with neurological adverse events.

Hypogammaglobulinemia can occur in patients receiving treatment with CARVYKTI^®. Among patients receiving CARVYKTI^® in the CARTITUDE-1 & -4 studies, hypogammaglobulinemia adverse event was reported in 36% (102/285) of patients; laboratory IgG levels fell below 500 mg/dL after infusion in 93% (265/285) of patients. Hypogammaglobulinemia either as an adverse reaction or laboratory IgG level below 500 mg/dL after infusion occurred in 94% (267/285) of patients treated. Fifty-six percent (161/285) of patients received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) post CARVYKTI^® for either an adverse reaction or prophylaxis.

Monitor immunoglobulin levels after treatment with CARVYKTI^® and administer IVIG for IgG <400 mg/dL. Manage per local institutional guidelines, including infection precautions and antibiotic or antiviral prophylaxis.

Use of Live Vaccines: The safety of immunization with live viral vaccines during or following CARVYKTI^® treatment has not been studied. Vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended for at least 6 weeks prior to the start of lymphodepleting chemotherapy, during CARVYKTI^® treatment, and until immune recovery following treatment with CARVYKTI^®.

Hypersensitivity Reactions occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI^®. Among patients receiving CARVYKTI^® in the CARTITUDE-1 & -4 studies, hypersensitivity reactions occurred in 5% (13/285), all of which were ≤2 Grade. Manifestations of hypersensitivity reactions included flushing, chest discomfort, tachycardia, wheezing, tremor, burning sensation, non-cardiac chest pain, and pyrexia.

Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may be due to the dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in CARVYKTI^®. Patients should be carefully monitored for 2 hours after infusion for signs and symptoms of severe reaction. Treat promptly and manage patients appropriately according to the severity of the hypersensitivity reaction.

Immune effector cell-associated enterocolitis (IEC-EC) has occurred in patients treated with CARVYKTI^®. Manifestations include severe or prolonged diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss requiring parenteral nutrition. IEC-EC has been associated with fatal outcome from perforation or sepsis. Manage according to institutional guidelines, including referral to gastroenterology and infectious disease specialists.

In cases of refractory IEC-EC, consider additional workup to exclude alternative etiologies, including T-cell lymphoma of the GI tract, which has been reported in the post marketing setting.

Secondary Malignancies: Patients treated with CARVYKTI^® may develop secondary malignancies. Among patients receiving CARVYKTI^® in the CARTITUDE-1 & -4 studies, myeloid neoplasms occurred in 5% (13/285) of patients (9 cases of myelodysplastic syndrome, 3 cases of acute myeloid leukemia, and 1 case of myelodysplastic syndrome followed by acute myeloid leukemia). The median time to onset of myeloid neoplasms was 447 days (range: 56 to 870 days) after treatment with CARVYKTI^®. Ten of these 13 patients died following the development of myeloid neoplasms; 2 of the 13 cases of myeloid neoplasm occurred after initiation of subsequent antimyeloma therapy. Cases of myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia have also been reported in the post marketing setting. T-cell malignancies have occurred following treatment of hematologic malignancies with BCMA- and CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T-cell immunotherapies, including CARVYKTI^®. Mature T-cell malignancies, including CAR-positive tumors, may present as soon as weeks following infusions, and may include fatal outcomes.

Monitor lifelong for secondary malignancies. In the event that a secondary malignancy occurs, contact Janssen Biotech, Inc., at 1-800-526-7736 for reporting and to obtain instructions on collection of patient samples.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common nonlaboratory adverse reactions (incidence greater than 20%) are pyrexia, cytokine release syndrome, hypogammaglobulinemia, hypotension, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, infections-pathogen unspecified, cough, chills, diarrhea, nausea, encephalopathy, decreased appetite, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, tachycardia, dizziness, dyspnea, edema, viral infections, coagulopathy, constipation, and vomiting. The most common Grade 3 or 4 laboratory adverse reactions (incidence greater than or equal to 50%) include lymphopenia, neutropenia, white blood cell decreased, thrombocytopenia, and anemia.

Please read full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning, for CARVYKTI^®. 

About Johnson & Johnson

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at https://www.jnj.com/ or at https://www.innovativemedicine.jnj.com. Follow us at @JNJInnovMed.

Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements 
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding product development and the potential benefits and treatment impact of CARVYKTI^®. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success; manufacturing difficulties and delays; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including in the sections captioned "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and in Johnson & Johnson's subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. Johnson & Johnson does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.

Footnotes:

^* Luciano J. Costa, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Medicine at the University of Alabama, has provided consulting, advisory, and speaking services to Johnson & Johnson; he has not been paid for any media work.

¹ Dr. Parekh S, et al. Earlier use of ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel) is associated with better immune fitness and stronger immune effects as shown by correlative analysis of peripheral blood and the bone marrow tumor microenvironment (TME) from the CARTITUDE-4 study. American Society of Hematology 2025 Annual Meeting. Accessed December 2025.
² Dr. Costa L, et al. Long-term progression-free survival benefit with ciltacabtagene autoleucel in standard-risk relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. American Society of Hematology 2025 Annual Meeting. Accessed December 2025.
³ Usmani S. Phase 1b/2 study of ciltacabtagene autoleucel, a BCMA-directed CAR-T cell therapy, in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (CARTITUDE-1): Two years post-LPI. Abstract #8028 [Poster]. Presented at the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting.
⁴ CARVYKTI^® U.S. Prescribing Information. 
⁵ Rajkumar SV. Multiple myeloma: 2020 update on diagnosis, risk-stratification and management. Am J Hematol. 2020;95(5):548-5672020;95(5):548-567. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32212178
⁶ National Cancer Institute. Plasma Cell Neoplasms. https://www.cancer.gov/types/myeloma/patient/myeloma-treatment-pdq. Accessed December 2025.
⁷ City of Hope. Multiple Myeloma: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments. https://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-types/multiple-myeloma. Accessed December 2025.
⁸ American Cancer Society. Key Statistics About Multiple Myeloma. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/multiple-myeloma/about/key-statistics.html#:~:text=Multiple%20myeloma%20is%20a%20relatively,men%20and%2015%2C370%20in%20women. Accessed December 2025.
⁹ SEER Explorer: An interactive website for SEER cancer statistics [Internet]. Surveillance Research Program, National Cancer Institute. https://seer.cancer.gov/explorer/. Accessed December 2025.
¹⁰ American Cancer Society. What is Multiple Myeloma? https://www.cancer.org/cancer/multiple-myeloma/about/what-is-multiple-myeloma.html. Accessed December 2025.
¹¹ American Cancer Society. Multiple Myeloma Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/multiple-myeloma/detection-diagnosis-staging/detection.html. Accessed December 2025.

Media contact: Oncology Media Relations Oncology_media_relations@its.jnj.com

Investor contact: Lauren Johnson investor-relations@its.jnj.com   U.S. medical inquiries: +1 800 526-7736

 

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SOURCE Johnson & Johnson

FAQ

What did Johnson & Johnson announce about CARVYKTI and CARTITUDE-4 on December 6, 2025?

Updated CARTITUDE-4 results showed a 30-month PFS plateau of 80.5% in as-treated standard-risk RRMM patients after a single CARVYKTI infusion.

How many patients in CARTITUDE-4 received CARVYKTI as early as second line (JNJ)?

176 patients received CARVYKTI as early as second line; 59 of those had standard-risk cytogenetics.

What does the MRD data from CARTITUDE-4 mean for CARVYKTI (JNJ)?

All 26 patients with MRD-negative complete response at 12 months remained progression-free at 30 months, indicating durable deep responses in that subgroup.

Did the CARTITUDE-4 analysis identify biomarkers linked to longer PFS for CARVYKTI (JNJ)?

Yes; translational analyses found stronger immune fitness with increased baseline CD4+ naïve T cells in patients treated after one or two prior lines, associated with longer PFS.

Are the CARTITUDE-4 30-month results applicable to high-risk cytogenetic patients for CARVYKTI (JNJ)?

The reported 30-month PFS of 80.5% applies to standard-risk cytogenetics; the announcement did not report equivalent results for high-risk patients.

Where were the CARTITUDE-4 CARVYKTI translational data presented?

The translational analyses were presented as abstracts and oral presentations at the 2025 ASH Annual Meeting.