Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. and Celgene Corp. have entered a collaboration to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a combination regimen of BMS’ investigational PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor, OPDIVO (nivolumab), and Celgene’s nab technology-based chemotherapy ABRAXANE, in a Phase I study. The study will examine the effect of the combination regimen in multiple tumor types, including HER-2 negative metastatic breast cancer, pancreatic cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). OPDIVO has been submitted in the U.S. and other countries, but remains subject to approval.
 
OPDIVO is an immunotherapy designed to harness the body’s immune system in fighting cancer, while ABRAXANE works by interfering with the ability of cancer cells to divide. The companies will explore whether these two agents have an enhanced anti-tumor response compared to either agent alone.
 
“Bristol-Myers Squibb continues to forge partnerships focused on exploring the effects of combination regimens that utilize promising therapies from our immuno-oncology portfolio,” said Michael Giordano, senior vice president, Oncology Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb. “Through this collaboration, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Celgene will work together to advance the science and understanding of how the body’s own immune system and chemotherapy might work together to fight cancer.”
 
“Our collaboration with Bristol-Myers Squibb further underscores our commitment to understanding and modulating the immune system to advance the treatment paradigm in cancer,” said Markus Renschler, MD, senior vice president, global head of Hematology & Oncology Medical Affairs, Celgene. “We believe that ABRAXANE is appropriate as a combination partner for novel immuno-oncology therapies due to its proven anti-tumor activity and that it can be administered without steroid premedication.”