Novartis & Bristol-Myers Squibb to collaborate on cancer treatments
Novartis has entered a clinical research collaboration with Bristol-Myers Squibb to investigate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of Mekinist in combination with Opdivo and Opdivo + Yervoy regimen.
The cancer treatments are being used as a potential option for metastatic colorectal cancer in patients with microsatellite stable tumours where the tumours are proficient in mismatch repair (MSS mCRC pMMR).
Under the terms of the agreement, the study will be conducted by BMS and is expected to establish recommended dose regimens and the preliminary anti-tumour activity of the combination therapies. Both Bristol Myers-Squibb and Novartis will evaluate the results to determine optimal approaches and potential clinical development of these combinations.
“Novartis has a longstanding heritage in exploring the combination of medicines to broaden our knowledge of mutational driven cancers and develop innovative treatments,” said Vas Narasimhan, MD, Head, Global Drug Development and Chief Medical Officer, Novartis. “Along with our ongoing internal immuno-oncology efforts, the expansion of our collaboration with Bristol-Myers Squibb further advances our collective goals to advance the science and to support patients in need.”
Source – European Pharmaceutical Review