Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) has told regulators, researchers and patient groups in early June that it had paused trials of its CAR-T treatment zola-cel in autoimmune disorders over potentially life-threatening side effects, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

According to a company spokesperson, the pause was precautionary after researchers observed "transient and reversible inflammatory events" during a routine study review, WSJ reported.

In an earlier report, The Wall Street Journal said it was unclear when the company paused the zola-cel trial but federal rules do not require drugmakers to immediately disclose trial pauses.

The spokesperson also told WSJ in that report that they are focused on completing their evaluation and on resuming enrollment as soon as possible.

Bristol Myers did not immediately respond to MT Newswires' request for comment.

Shares of the company declined more than 1% in premarket activity Friday.

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