Novartis enters cancer collaboration deal with Bristol-Myers Squibb

Novartis has today (October 6th) announced it has entered into a clinical collaboration with Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS). 

The deal will lead to studies to test the safety, tolerability and efficacy of three molecularly-targeted compounds for the treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), used in combination with BMS's investigational PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor Opdivo.

Conducted by Novartis, the trials will evaluate Zydakia, INC280 and EGH816, with all three having demonstrated evidence of targeting mutations associated in tumour growth in patients with NSCLC.

Opdivo, also known by its chemical name nivolumab, is an investigational inhibitor that binds to the checkpoint receptor PD-1 expressed on activated T-cells. 

The first study will evaluate the combination of this drug with Zykadia – a treatment approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive or ALK positive metastatic NSCLC who have progressed or have proven to be intolerant to crizotinib.

Alessandro Riva, global head of Novartis' oncology department, said: "Preclinical data suggests that combining molecularly-targeted agents with immunotherapies such as nivolumab may have synergistic effects and lead to better outcomes for patients."