Bristol-Myers Squibb launches Opdivo for lung cancer in UK

Bristol-Myers Squibb has announced the UK launch of a new lung cancer indication for Opdivo, its immuno-oncology product.

The drug has been approved in its second indication, allowing it to be used for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer preceding chemotherapy in adults.

Opdivo have shown significant advantages compared to the current standard of care and up to a survival rate up to one year of 42 percent – compared to 24 percent with standard treatment.

The drug had been available to patients through the MHRA's Early Access to Medicines Scheme and has also been approved for use as a treatment for melanoma.

Johanna Mercier, general manager of Bristol-Myers Squibb for the UK and Ireland, said: "Bristol-Myers Squibb is pioneering the field of immuno-oncology and we are delighted that nivolumab has been approved for the treatment of advanced squamous lung cancer second line."

Last month, the company halted a phase III trial of Opdivo among renal cell cancer patients early after the drug met its primary endpoint ahead of schedule.