Bristol-Myers Squibb announces collaborative immuno-oncology scheme

Bristol-Myers Squibb has announced the formation of a new collaborative research network that aims to drive developments in the field of immuno-oncology.

The new International Immuno-Oncology Network is comprised of Bristol-Myers Squibb and ten leading cancer research institutions, including the Clinica Universidad Navarra in Spain, the US Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute and the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and Institute of Cancer Research in London.

By fostering stronger links between the industry and academia, it is hoped that further understanding of immuno-oncology – the science of using the body's own immune system to fight cancer – can be achieved.

Dr Elliott Sigal, executive vice-president, chief scientific officer and president for research and development at Bristol-Myers Squibb, said: "The shared commitment of all those participating in this collaboration is to evolve our understanding of immuno-oncology towards our ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes."

Over the coming days, Bristol-Myers Squibb will attend the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, where it will present new clinical data on various oncology compounds.