Bristol-Myers Squibb presents ipilimumab trial data

At the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (Asco), Bristol-Myers Squibb and Medarex have presented data from phase I and II clinical trials regarding the administration of ipilimumab (MDX-010) in advanced melanoma patients.

According to the trial results, 19 per cent of patients administered with the compound as a monotherapy saw tumour shrinkage and stabilisation of their condition.

In a second study, 13 per cent of advanced melanoma patients had a partial or complete response rate when either treated solely with the compound or administered the drug in conjunction with chemotherapy, interleukin-2 or a gp100 peptide vaccine.

The compound is a fully human antibody designed to block the activity of cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 and operates by binding to this molecule that is thought to play a key role in the regulation of immune responses in the body.

Rachel Humphrey, vice-president of development at Bristol-Myers Squibb, said: “In recent years, there have been limited advancements in the treatment of melanoma, particularly in the later stages of the disease.”

She added that this recent trial data can improve knowledge of the potential of ipilimumab as an anti-cancer medication for these patients.

Also at the annual Asco meeting, Bristol-Myers Squibb announced positive phase III clinical study results for its advanced metastatic breast cancer drug ixabepilone.