Novartis announces clinical collaboration to evaluate Bristol-Myers Squibb’s novel immunotherapy in combination treatments for NSCLC

Phase I/II studies will evaluate Zykadia(TM), INC280 and EGF816 in combination with Bristol-Myers Squibb's investigational immunotherapy Opdivo . Combination studies will evaluate compounds that have demonstrated evidence of targeting mutations associated with tumor growth in patients with NSCLC Collaboration highlights promising new treatment approach for patients and underscores Novartis' commitment to patients and the lung cancer community Basel, October 6, 2014 - Novartis announced today that it has entered into a clinical collaboration with Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) to evaluate the safety, tolerability and preliminary efficacy of three molecularly targeted compounds in combination with Bristol-Myers Squibb's investigational PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor, Opdivo (nivolumab), in Phase I/II trials of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). "Preclinical data suggests that combining molecularly targeted agents with immunotherapies such as nivolumab may have synergistic effects and lead to better outcomes for patients," said Alessandro Riva, MD, Global Head, Novartis Oncology Development and Medical Affairs. "This collaboration enables us to study several key compounds, including our new highly-potent ALK inhibitor Zykadia, together with a promising, novel immunotherapy agent, paving the way for potential new treatment approaches for patients with NSCLC." Both studies will be conducted by Novartis. One trial will evaluate the combination of Opdivo with Zykadia(TM) (ceritinib), an FDA-approved treatment for patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive (ALK+) metastatic NSCLC who have progressed on or are intolerant to crizotinib.