Bristol-Myers Squibb allies with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Bristol-Myers Squibb has announced a new cancer research partnership with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

The agreement is part of the US Immuno-Oncology Rare Population Malignancy (I-O RPM) programme, a multi-institutional initiative focused on investigating immuno-oncology therapeutics as treatment options for serious forms of cancer.

Under the terms of the deal, Bristol-Myers Squibb and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute will conduct a series of early-phase clinical studies, with Bristol-Myers Squibb to support the training of young investigators who contribute to the I-O RPM programme at Dana-Farber.

The research will build on the strong potential that immuno-oncology agents have shown in the treatment of haematologic cancers, including myeloma.

Dr Laura Bessen, head of US medical at Bristol-Myers Squibb, said: "Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Bristol-Myers Squibb have a shared commitment to patients and to continuing to advance the science in immuno-oncology research."

Other members of the I-O RPM programme include the Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, the Moffitt Cancer Center and Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center.