Nivolumab/Hyaluronidase-nvhy

PRINCETON, NJ, USA I February 13, 2025 I Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) today announced the Phase 3 RELATIVITY-098 trial evaluating Opdualag™ (nivolumab and relatlimab-rmbw) for the adjuvant treatment of patients with completely resected stage III-IV melanoma did not meet its primary endpoint of recurrence-free survival (RFS). The safety profile of Opdualag observed in this analysis was consistent with the known profiles of nivolumab and relatlimab. “We are disappointed in the outcome of the RELATIVITY-098 trial and that LAG-3 inhibition in the adjuvant setting did not lead to the same improved efficacy outcomes seen in advanced melanoma,” said Jeffrey Walch, M.D., Ph.D., vice president, Opdualag global program lead, Bristol Myers Squibb. “Patients whose tumors are completely resected before treatment may not have sufficient antitumor T cells in place for Opdualag to have its maximal effect. However, Opdualag remains a standard of care in the first-line treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma, and we continue to explore its potential across tumor types, including in non-small cell lung cancer.” In adjuvant melanoma, Opdivo ® (nivolumab) remains a standard of care for adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older with completely resected Stage IIB, Stage IIC, Stage III, or Stage IV melanoma. Moreover, Opdivo Qvantig TM (nivolumab + hyaluronidase-nvhy), was recently approved in the U.S. as a subcutaneous option for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with completely resected Stage IIB, Stage IIC, Stage III, or Stage IV melanoma. BMS thanks the patients, families and investigators for their contributions to this important clinical trial. About RELATIVITY-098 RELATIVITY-098 is a randomized Phase 3, double-blind study evaluating adjuvant immunotherapy with Opdualag, the fixed-dose combination of nivolumab and relatlimab, compared to Opdivo monotherapy after complete resection of stage III-IV melanoma. The primary endpoint of the trial is recurrence-free survival (RFS). Secondary endpoints include overall survival (OS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and safety. About Opdualag Opdualag (nivolumab and relatlimab-rmbw) is a first-in-class, fixed-dose, dual immunotherapy combination of the programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitor nivolumab and the lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3) blocking antibody relatlimab. With its approval by the FDA in 2022, Opdualag became the first LAG-3-blocking antibody containing combination to receive regulatory approval anywhere in the world. About LAG-3 Lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3) is a molecule found on the surface of several immune cell types including CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), and natural killer (NK) cells. LAG-3 inhibits the function of T cells and reduces the activation and growth of the cell on which it is found. This T-cell dysfunction allows tumors to avoid attack from the immune system and grow unchecked. Preclinical studies indicate that inhibition of LAG-3 may promote an anti-tumor response. Targeting both LAG-3 and PD-1 in combination may be a key strategy to help restore T cell activity, improving anti-tumor response in certain cancers that is greater than the effects of PD-1 monotherapy. Bristol Myers Squibb is evaluating relatlimab in clinical trials in combination with other agents in a variety of tumor types. About Melanoma Melanoma is a form of skin cancer characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) located in the skin. Metastatic melanoma is the deadliest form of the disease and occurs when cancer spreads beyond the surface of the skin to other organs. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that by 2035, melanoma incidence will reach 424,102, with 94,308 related deaths. Melanomas can be mostly treatable when caught in very early stages; however, survival rates can decrease as the disease progresses. INDICATION Opdualag™ (nivolumab and relatlimab-rmbw) is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age or older with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. NDICATIONS OPDIVO® (nivolumab), as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. OPDIVO® is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older with completely resected Stage IIB, Stage IIC, Stage III, or Stage IV melanoma. OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with platinum-doublet chemotherapy, is indicated as neoadjuvant treatment of adult patients with resectable (tumors ≥4 cm or node positive) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). OPDIVO® (nivolumab) in combination with platinum-doublet chemotherapy, is indicated for neoadjuvant treatment of adult patients with resectable (tumors ≥4 cm or node positive) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and no known epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations or anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements, followed by single-agent OPDIVO® as adjuvant treatment after surgery. OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors express PD-L1 (≥1%) as determined by an FDA-approved test, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations. OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab) and 2 cycles of platinum-doublet chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with metastatic or recurrent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations. OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving OPDIVO. OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with intermediate or poor risk advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with cabozantinib, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who have received prior anti-angiogenic therapy. OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) that has relapsed or progressed after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and brentuximab vedotin or after 3 or more lines of systemic therapy that includes autologous HSCT. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials. OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) with disease progression on or after platinum-based therapy. OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or have disease progression within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy. OPDIVO® (nivolumab), as a single agent, is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with urothelial carcinoma (UC) who are at high risk of recurrence after undergoing radical resection of UC. OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine, is indicated as first-line treatment for adult patients with unresectable or metastatic urothelial carcinoma. OPDIVO® (nivolumab), as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) that has progressed following treatment with a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials. OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) that has progressed following treatment with a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials. OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have been previously treated with sorafenib. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials. OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced, recurrent or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after prior fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-based chemotherapy. OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of completely resected esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer with residual pathologic disease in adult patients who have received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT). OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with advanced or metastatic gastric cancer, gastroesophageal junction cancer, and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Please see U.S. Full Prescribing Information for OPDIVO and YERVOY . INDICATIONS OPDIVO QVANTIG™ (nivolumab and hyaluronidase), as monotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with intermediate or poor risk advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), following treatment with intravenous nivolumab and ipilimumab combination therapy. Limitations of Use: OPDIVO QVANTIG is not indicated in combination with ipilimumab for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma. OPDIVO QVANTIG™ (nivolumab and hyaluronidase), in combination with cabozantinib, is indicated for the first- line treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). OPDIVO QVANTIG™ (nivolumab and hyaluronidase), as monotherapy, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who have received prior anti-angiogenic therapy. OPDIVO QVANTIG™ (nivolumab and hyaluronidase), as monotherapy, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. OPDIVO QVANTIG™ (nivolumab and hyaluronidase), as monotherapy, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma following treatment with intravenous nivolumab and ipilimumab combination therapy. Limitations of Use: OPDIVO QVANTIG is not indicated in combination with ipilimumab for treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma. OPDIVO QVANTIG™ (nivolumab and hyaluronidase), as monotherapy, is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with completely resected Stage IIB, Stage IIC, Stage III, or Stage IV melanoma. OPDIVO QVANTIG™ (nivolumab and hyaluronidase), in combination with platinum-doublet chemotherapy, is indicated as neoadjuvant treatment of adult patients with resectable (tumors ≥4 cm or node positive) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). OPDIVO QVANTIG™ (nivolumab and hyaluronidase), in combination with platinum-doublet chemotherapy, is indicated for the neoadjuvant treatment of adult patients with resectable (tumors >/=4 cm or node positive) non- small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and no known epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations or anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements, followed by single-agent OPDIVO QVANTIG as monotherapy in the adjuvant setting after surgical resection. OPDIVO QVANTIG ™ (nivolumab and hyaluronidase), as monotherapy, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving OPDIVO QVANTIG. Limitations of Use: OPDIVO QVANTIG is not indicated in combination with ipilimumab for the treatment of metastatic NSCLC. OPDIVO QVANTIG™ (nivolumab and hyaluronidase), as monotherapy, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) with disease progression on or after platinum-based therapy. OPDIVO QVANTIG™ (nivolumab and hyaluronidase), as monotherapy, is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with urothelial carcinoma (UC) who are at high risk of recurrence after undergoing radical resection of UC. OPDIVO QVANTIG™ (nivolumab and hyaluronidase), in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC). OPDIVO QVANTIG™ (nivolumab and hyaluronidase), as monotherapy, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC) who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or have disease progression within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy. OPDIVO QVANTIG™ (nivolumab and hyaluronidase), as monotherapy, is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of completely resected esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer with residual pathologic disease in adult patients who have received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT). OPDIVO QVANTIG™ (nivolumab and hyaluronidase) in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum- containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Limitations of Use: OPDIVO QVANTIG is not indicated in combination with ipilimumab for the treatment of patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic ESCC. OPDIVO QVANTIG™ (nivolumab and hyaluronidase) as monotherapy, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced, recurrent or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after prior fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-based chemotherapy. OPDIVO QVANTIG™ (nivolumab and hyaluronidase) in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum- containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with advanced or metastatic gastric cancer, gastroesophageal junction cancer, and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Please see U.S. Full Prescribing Information for OPDIVO QVANTIG . Bristol Myers Squibb: Creating a Better Future for People with Cancer Bristol Myers Squibb is inspired by a single vision — transforming patients’ lives through science. The goal of the company’s cancer research is to deliver medicines that offer each patient a better, healthier life and to make cure a possibility. Building on a legacy across a broad range of cancers that have changed survival expectations for many, Bristol Myers Squibb researchers are exploring new frontiers in personalized medicine and, through innovative digital platforms, are turning data into insights that sharpen their focus. Deep understanding of causal human biology, cutting-edge capabilities and differentiated research programs uniquely position the company to approach cancer from every angle. Cancer can have a relentless grasp on many parts of a patient’s life, and Bristol Myers Squibb is committed to taking actions to address all aspects of care, from diagnosis to survivorship. As a leader in cancer care, Bristol Myers Squibb is working to empower all people with cancer to have a better future. About the Bristol Myers Squibb and Ono Pharmaceutical Collaboration In 2011, through a collaboration agreement with Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Bristol Myers Squibb expanded its territorial rights to develop and commercialize Opdivo globally, except in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, where Ono had retained all rights to the compound at the time. On July 23, 2014, Ono and Bristol Myers Squibb further expanded the companies’ strategic collaboration agreement to jointly develop and commercialize multiple immunotherapies – as single agents and combination regimens – for patients with cancer in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. About Bristol Myers Squibb Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn , X , YouTube , Facebook and Instagram . SOURCE: Bristol Myers Squibb

Bristol Myers expects about 30% to 40% of all Opdivo eligible patients in the U.S. will eventually convert from the IV to the subcutaneous formulation. Almost exactly 10 years after the FDA’s initial FDA approval for Bristol Myers Squibb’s Opdivo as the first PD-1 inhibitor in the U.S., the agency has cleared an under-the-skin version of the cancer immunotherapy.The Dec. 27 approval was granted to Opdivo Qvantig, which co-formulates nivolumab with recombinant human hyaluronidase, in nearly all existing solid tumor indications for intravenous Opdivo. Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that facilitates subcutaneous absorption of the active drug nivolumab.The subcutaneous version could transform the way care is delivered to patients, as it allows providers to spend less time preparing and administering treatment, Wendy Short Bartie, Bristol Myers’ senior VP of U.S. oncology & hematology commercialization, said in an interview with Fierce Pharma ahead of the approval.For healthcare facilities, Opdivo Qvantig could reduce burdens related to infusion capacity; for patients, it cuts the treatment time for receiving a checkpoint inhibitor from a 30-minute infusion to three to five minutes for an injection, Bartie said.Before BMS’ offering, Roche’s PD-L1 inhibitor Tecentriq became the first checkpoint inhibitor to secure a subcutaneous approval from the FDA. Called Tecentriq Hybreza, the injection’s treatment time is about seven minutes. The two rivaling PD-1/L1 drugs both incorporate Halozyme’s recombinant human hyaluronidase-based subcutaneous drug delivery technology, ENHANZE. Opdivo Qvantig’s average administration time of less than five minutes was observed in the Checkmate-67T trial, which was conducted among patients with kidney cancer. In the study, the subcutaneous formulation matched up to the IV on both co-primary pharmacokinetics endpoints as well as the key secondary endpoint of tumor response rate, with that measure favoring Opdivo Qvantig.In one notable difference compared with IV Opdivo, the FDA-approved label for Opdivo Qvantig does not allow the subcutaneous drug to be used in combination with BMS’ CTLA-4 inhibitor Yervoy, which presents as an IV.As a result, in combination indications in kidney cancer and advanced melanoma, where Opdivo treatment lasts longer than its therapeutic partner, the subcutaneous version can only be given after Yervoy dosing is concluded. For original Opdivo-Yervoy indications in first-line non-small cell lung cancer and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, where the two immunotherapies are given together throughout treatment, use of Opdivo Qvantig is completely restricted.BMS is “exploring opportunities to generate data” on Opdivo Qvantig and Yervoy combination therapy in NSCLC “to determine an appropriate dose that will ensure consistent efficacy and safety,” a company spokesperson told Fierce Pharma.BMS expects Opdivo Qvantig will be a welcome addition in both academic and community treatment settings, Bartie said. Initial adoption is expected within monotherapy indications as well as combinations with oral meds, whereas utilization in regimens that involve other IV drugs may come later, she said.The BMS exec specifically highlighted Opdivo’s use a perioperative treatment in early-stage NSCLC. Approved by the FDA in October, the indication allows Opdivo first to be used with chemotherapy—which comes as an IV—before surgery, and then as a monotherapy after surgery.For the monotherapy maintenance period, the option of a subcutaneous drug is “incredibly attractive,” Bartie said.In addition, kidney cancer serves as another area where patients could quickly begin utilizing Opdivo Qvantig. In that disease, Opdivo is approved alongside Exelixis’ oral tablet Cabometyx as a first-line treatment.By BMS’ projection, about 30% to 40% of all Opdivo-eligible patients in the U.S. will eventually convert from the IV to the subcutaneous formulation.As to whether Opdivo Qvantig can expand the patient population base for Opdivo, Bartie suggested that the drug’s growth will still mainly come from some key tumor types and potential new indications. She described the new offering as the “proverbial icing on the cake” that allows physicians a more efficient and easier route of administration. Nevertheless, the easier-to-administer trait may help Opdivo Qvantig reach certain community practices that have so far not used immunotherapy very much, she added. With their own patent protection, subcutaneous delivery systems are considered a meaningful way to extend the sales runway of members of the blockbuster PD-1/L1 class. Besides BMS and Roche, Merck & Co. is not so far behind in this pursuit. The PD-1 leader in November touted a positive pivotal trial readout for its subcutaneous formulation of Keytruda, with regulatory filings underway in solid tumors.  Besides Opdivo, BMS is working to turn its PD-1/LAG-3 fixed-dose combination of nivolumab and relatlimab into a subcutaneous therapy through the Relativity-127 trial.