Trials to Test Hodgkin's Drug and Melanoma Drug Against Lymphomas

Seattle Genetics and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company have announced a clinical trial collaboration agreement that will evaluate the investigational combination of Seattle Genetics’ antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) Adcetris (brentuximab vedotin) and Bristol-Myers Squibb’s immunotherapy Opdivo (nivolumab).

The companies are planning a pair of Phase 1/2 clinical trials. The first trial will evaluate Adcetris plus Opdivo as a treatment for patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL). The second will focus on patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell and T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL), including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Adcetris is an antibody drug conjugate directed to CD30, a defining cell surface marker for classical Hodgkin's. It combines the targeting ability of a monoclonal antibody with the potency of a cell-killing agent.

Opdivo is a human programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) blocking antibody that binds to the PD-1 receptor expressed on activated T-cells. It is FDA approved for some unresectable melanomas, and has been granted breakthrough therapy designation for some Hodgkin's patients.

"This collaboration will expand our broad Adcetris clinical development program towards our goal of improving outcomes for patients with Hodgkin lymphoma and other CD30-expressing malignancies,” said Clay B. Siegall , Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Seattle Genetics. “Ultimately, our vision is to advance the treatment of cancer by exploring more targeted treatment approaches that result in enhanced activity, reduced toxicities and improved long-term results for patients. We look forward to working with Bristol-Myers Squibb to define the activity and tolerability of adding Opdivo to Adcetris, and informing this potential treatment strategy in hematologic malignancies.”

“Bristol-Myers Squibb continues to strengthen its broad development program for Opdivo through collaborations that explore novel combination regimens in areas of serious unmet need,” said Michael Giordano, senior vice president, Head of Development, Oncology, Bristol-Myers Squibb. “We are pleased to collaborate with Seattle Genetics on clinical research focused on hematologic malignancies.”

Both clinical trials are expected to begin in 2015. Seattle Genetics will conduct the Hodgkin's trial and Bristol-Myers Squibb will conduct the non-Hodgkin's trial.

Source: Business Wire