Bristol-Myers Squibb highlights sustained survival benefits of Opdivo

Bristol-Myers Squibb has announced new data showing the long-term survival benefits offered by its lung cancer drug Opdivo.

Longer term survival and safety data from CheckMate -017 and -063, two pivotal trials evaluating Opdivo in previously treated squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), have demonstrated sustained survival benefit across both studies.

In the two trials, the drug showed an estimated 18-month overall survival rate of 27 percent to 28 percent, with this benefit being independent of PD-L1 expression. Moreover, its safety profile was consistent with older studies trials and favourable compared to docetaxel.

Bristol-Myers Squibb hailed the results as an affirmation of the strength of its immuno-oncology strategy, which forms a core part of its current research efforts.

Michael Giordano, senior vice-president and head of development for Bristol-Myers Squibb's oncology division, said: "We have taken a comprehensive research approach in lung cancer, one focused on a commitment to providing the first major advancement in squamous NSCLC in more than a decade – Opdivo – that offers the potential to replace chemotherapy."

A PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, Opdivo was approved in Europe for the treatment of advanced melanoma earlier this year.