Johnson & Johnson reported that its Phase 3 CARTITUDE‑4 study of the BCMA‑directed CAR‑T therapy CARVYKTI achieved a 30‑month progression‑free survival (PFS) rate of 80.5 % in the as‑treated population, with 80 % of standard‑risk patients treated as early as first relapse remaining progression‑free at 30 months. All 26 patients who achieved minimal residual disease–negative complete response at 12 months stayed progression‑free through the 30‑month mark.
The study enrolled patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who had received one to three prior lines of therapy and compared CARVYKTI to standard of care regimens of pomalidomide‑bortezomib‑dexamethasone or daratumumab‑pomalidomide‑dexamethasone. CARVYKTI produced a durable benefit that plateaued at 80.5 % PFS, whereas the control arm’s 30‑month PFS hovered around 30 %. The data therefore demonstrate that a single infusion of CARVYKTI can provide long‑term disease control in a population that historically has limited treatment options.
These results reinforce the case for using CARVYKTI earlier in the treatment sequence. By showing that standard‑risk patients can achieve sustained remission after a single infusion, the trial supports a shift toward first‑line or second‑line use, potentially expanding the drug’s addressable market and positioning Johnson & Johnson ahead of competitors such as idecabtagene vicleucel and ciltacabtagene autoleucel from other manufacturers. The durable, MRD‑negative responses also suggest a pathway toward functional cure for a subset of patients, aligning with the company’s broader oncology strategy to reach $50 billion in sales by 2030.
Chief Executive Officer Joaquin Duato highlighted the trial as evidence of the “power of Johnson & Johnson’s uniquely diversified portfolio,” noting that strong clinical outcomes reinforce confidence in the company’s 2025 guidance. Duato emphasized that the CAR‑T platform is a key growth engine and that the positive data will help drive future sales and support the company’s long‑term growth trajectory.
Analysts responded to the data with upgraded price targets and renewed buy ratings. Guggenheim raised its target to $227 from $206, citing the “positive clinical trial results for its multiple myeloma treatment.” Barclays increased its target to $197 from $176, while Scotiabank initiated coverage at $230. The upgrades reflect confidence that the trial’s outcomes will translate into commercial success and strengthen the company’s competitive position in the CAR‑T market.
Overall, the CARTITUDE‑4 results provide a compelling clinical narrative that supports earlier use of CARVYKTI, expands its market potential, and bolsters Johnson & Johnson’s oncology portfolio. The data, coupled with management’s confidence and analyst upgrades, signal a positive trajectory for the company’s oncology pipeline and reinforce its strategy to capture a larger share of the growing CAR‑T market.
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