Exelixis and BMS to evaluate cancer drug combination
February 27, 2017Exelixis and Bristol-Myers Squibb have entered into a clinical development collaboration to evaluate Cabometyx (cabozantinib), Exelixis’ small molecule inhibitor of receptor tyrosine kinases, with Opdivo (nivolumab), Bristol-Myers Squibb’s PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor, either alone or in combination with Yervoy (ipilimumab).
The companies announced that mutual co-funded clinical development program is expected to include a phase 3 pivotal trial in first-line renal cell carcinoma, with additional trials planned in bladder cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and potentially other tumor types.
“The safety and efficacy data from the phase 1 clinical trial evaluating Cabometyx in combination with Opdivo are consistent with the preclinical scientific rationale for combining these two therapeutic modalities,” said Michael M. Morrissey, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Exelixis. “This clinical development collaboration will provide the resources and collaborative framework to fully evaluate the potential for this combination, with and without Yervoy, in both late-stage pivotal and exploratory trials in a variety of forms of cancer.
Cabometyx and Opdivo have both received approval in the United States and European Union for specific uses in previously treated renal cell carcinoma, and both compounds are the subject of ongoing, global phase 3 pivotal trials in hepatocellular carcinoma. Opdivo is approved in the United States for previously treated bladder cancer.
