
Novartis and BMS partner up to explore Mekinist/Opdivo combinations
pharmafile | June 6, 2017 | News story | Manufacturing and Production, Research and Development |Â Â Â
Novartis and Bristol-Myers Squibb have announced they are to enter a clinical research partnership to investigate and assess the effectiveness of utilising Mekinist (trametinib) and Opdivo (nivolumab) in combination as a treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer in patients with microsatellite stable tumours which are proficient in mismatch repair (MSS mCRC pMMR).
The partnership will cover the combination of Novartis’ drug with both Opdivo and BMS’ regimen of Opdivo in combination with Yervoy (ipilimumab). BMS itself will handle the execution of relevant trials, with both companies evaluating any potential findings and explore approaches to future clinical development of any promising therapy combinations.
The two companies previously collaborated in 2014 to explore potential treatment options arising from the combination of Novartis products with BMS’ Opdivo in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
“Novartis has a longstanding heritage in exploring the combination of medicines to broaden our knowledge of mutational driven cancers and develop innovative treatments,” commented Vas Narasimhan, Head of Global Drug Development and Chief Medical Officer at Novartis. “Along with our ongoing internal immuno-oncology efforts, the expansion of our collaboration with Bristol-Myers Squibb further advances our collective goals to advance the science and to support patients in need.”
Matt Fellows






