Bristol Myers’ Reblozyl Misses Main Goal in Cancer Anemia Study $1.77 Billion Drug Faces Setback but Shows Some Benefits

Bristol Myers Squibb’s Reblozyl, a blockbuster anemia drug, failed to achieve its primary endpoint in a late-stage clinical trial for anemia linked to myelofibrosis, a rare bone marrow cancer. The trial did not reach statistical significance for allowing patients to remain transfusion-free for 12 weeks during the first 24 weeks of treatment.

Despite the setback, the company noted that patients on Reblozyl required fewer blood transfusions and saw increased hemoglobin levels—important measures for anemia management. Side effects in the trial were consistent with previous safety data.

Reblozyl is already approved for anemia in myelodysplastic syndromes and beta-thalassemia, with 2024 global sales hitting $1.77 billion. Analysts warn that missing this key trial could slow future revenue growth, as BMS also faces challenges expanding approvals for other drugs.

Shares of Bristol Myers fell 1% after the news, while rival Disc Medicine saw a 4% increase, as investors look to alternative anemia treatments. Still, BMS remains optimistic about Reblozyl’s potential in hematology, emphasizing its impact on transfusion needs and hemoglobin.