Bristol-Myers Squibb has entered a new clinical research collaboration with Janssen Biotech, Inc. to evaluate BMS’ immuno-oncology drug Opdivo (nivolumab) and Janssen’s Live Attenuated Double–Deleted (LADD) Listerial monocytogenes cancer immunotherapy, expressing mesothelin and EGFRvIII (JNJ-64041757), in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Opdivois a human antibody designed to alleviate immune suppression. JNJ-64041757 is designed to induce an immune response against NSCLC tumors. The Phase II trial will evaluate the tolerability and clinical activity of the combination.

“We are excited to collaborate with Janssen as we explore how the emerging science of antigen-presentation therapeutics, in combination with Opdivo, can potentially provide a new treatment approach for patients with lung cancer,” said Jean Viallet, M.D., Global Clinical Research Lead, Oncology, Bristol-Myers Squibb.