AbbVie and Bristol-Myers Squibb are collaborating on a clinical trial to assess the potential of combining two anticancer products to address certain advanced-phase lung tumors.
An investigational antibody formulation manufactured by AbbVie, ABBV-399, and immunotherapy product Opdivo (nivolumab) made by Bristol-Myers Squibb, are undergoing scrutiny through a Phase 1b study to determine the potential for overcoming immune suppression in patients whose previous chemotherapy treatments did not achieve desired results, according to an announcement.
“Cancer remains one of the most challenging medical conditions for patients and physicians,” Dr. Tom Hudson, AbbVie’s vice president for oncology early discovery and development, said in the announcement. “Therapeutic advances continue to be achieved every day and we are committed to exploring the potential of our investigational compounds with other approved treatments with the goal to deliver a significant impact to patients.”
Dr. Fouad Namouni, Bristol-Myers Squibb’s head of development for oncology, was optimistic about the joint undertaking.
“We continue to explore the potential of novel combinations of medicines with Opdivo, and AbbVie’s investigational treatments will help evaluate the role of new targets in combination with immunotherapy,” Namouni said in the announcement “We look forward to continuing to partner our PD1 with AbbVie’s early- and late-stage assets as a possible treatment option for patients with lung cancer.”
