A clinical research collaboration between Novartis AG (ADR)(NYSE:NVS) and Bristol-Myers Squibb Co (NYSE:BMY) will result in an evaluation of a potential treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer. The duo will also incorporate Opdivo (nivolumab) and Opdivo + Yervoy (ipilimumab) as it investigates the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of Mekinist (trametinib) and the likelihood to be used in patients with microsatellite stable tumors.
The exploration of this treatment will primarily be seeking to ascertain the preliminary anti-tumor activity of Mekinist with Opdivo. The results are expected to offer guidance into the recommended dose regimens as well as determine optimal approaches and the possibility of further clinical development of the combinations.
The collective goal to advance the science and support patients in need
Records have it that colorectal cancer is the second and third most common type of cancer in women and men respectively. Close to 1.4 million were diagnosed in 2012 with men taking a higher number of 750,000 of the total. There is an estimation of 135,430 patients being diagnosed with cancer of the colon or rectum in 2017.
Novartis, which has an extensive heritage in exploring the combination of medicines, says that a majority of patients are in situations that need support and urgent care. On the other hand, Head of Oncology Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb Fouad Namouni adds, “We continue to investigate novel combinations of therapy that may hold the potential to expand the therapeutic benefits of immunotherapy to patients with difficult to treat cancer or those who don’t respond.”
Bristol-Myers Squibb is advancing its Oncology Research
Bristol-Myers Squibb’s vision is looking to potentially improve outcomes for patients who are suffering from hard-to-treat cancers. This is the reason why the company initiated a differentiated clinical development program, which will be studying patient populations across more than 50 types of cancers. It is also in the lead of the scientific understanding of I-O through its widespread range of investigational compounds.
Bristol-Myers Squibb has the expertise in the field of Immuno-Oncology and has been carrying out a broad range of clinical trials across all phases of Opdivo. These trials have played a significant role into gaining a deeper understanding of the potential of biomarkers in patient care. Meanwhile, Bristol-Myers Squibb’s stock closed at $51.66 a decline of $0.70 or 1.34%.
