A phase 1/2 trial of Adcertis (brentuximab vedotin) used in combination with Opdivo (nivolumab) has been launched.
The therapy may be another avenue for treatment of patients living with certain types of relapsed or refractory B-cell and T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL).
The trial is being conducted by researchers from Seattle Genetics Inc. and Bristol-Myers Squibb.
Data from prior testing indicated that Adcertis could kill tumor cells, making it a practical companion therapy for Opdivo, a human antibody that blocks programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) and leads to T-cell activation.
“This is the second corporate-sponsored clinical trial to evaluate Adcertis combined with a checkpoint inhibitor to determine if the combination can improve patient outcomes,” Dr. Jonathan Drachman, chief medical officer of Seattle Genetics, said. “This study is a part of a broad development program that includes more than 70 ongoing clinical trials evaluating Adcertis in multiple lines of therapy for Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma and as part of novel combinations that could result in improved clinical benefit with manageable safety profiles. Our goal is to establish Adcertis as the foundation of care for CD30-expressing lymphomas.”
The phase 1/2 trial will be conducted in multiple clinical locations and will determine Adcertis' safety, tolerability and anti-tumor activity when used in combination with Opdivo in patients with relapsed or refractory CD30-expressing NHL. Approximately 120 patients will be involved in the trial.
“Bristol-Myers Squibb continues to strengthen its industry-leading development program for Opdivo and its rapidly expanding hematology portfolio,” Michael Giordano, head of development for oncology at Bristol-Myers Squibb, said. “We are pleased to collaborate with Seattle Genetics on clinical research that focuses on novel combination regimens in areas of serious unmet need.”
For more information about Adcertis or the trials, visit www.seattlegenetics.com.
