Bristol-Myers Squibb, Five Prime Partner On Opdivo, FPA008 In Tumors

By Cyndi Root

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMS) and Five Prime Therapeutics have entered into a partnership to investigate a combination of BMS’ Opdivo (nivolumab) and Five Prime’s FPA008 to treat six types of malignant tumors. The companies announced the collaboration in a press release, stating that they will initiate a Phase 1a/1b study to evaluate the two agents in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), melanoma, head and neck cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, and malignant glioma. Michael Giordano, senior VP and Head of Oncology Development at BMS, said, “This collaboration supports our strategy to expand the clinical development of Opdivo, including novel combination regimens and across numerous tumor types.”

Lewis T. Williams, MD, PhD, president and CEO of Five Prime, stated that it is the second collaboration with BMS as its vision aligns with Five Prime’s. The terms of the new agreement calls for BMS to make a one-time payment of $30 million to Five Prime and to fund the cost of the study. Five Prime is responsible for conducting the trial, which is expected to commence in 2015. The agreement is exclusive regarding the development of the combination treatment. However, Five Prime retains the right to seek other partners for FPA008, subject to certain conditions.

Opdivo

Opdivo (nivolumab) is BMS’ PD-1 (programmed death-1) immune checkpoint inhibitor. The immunotherapy stops cancer cells from hiding in checkpoint pathways, thereby exposing the malignancy to the immune system. BMS is studying the agent in a comprehensive development program designed to elucidate Opdivo’s potential in monotherapy, in combination, and in a variety of cancer types. BMS is conducting over 50 trials with more than 7,000 patients worldwide.

FPA008

FPA008 is Five Prime’s colony stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF1R) inhibitor, an antibody that blocks monocytes and macrophages. In Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), CSF1R inhibition blocks inflammation that causes bone erosion and joint destruction. Inhibition of CSF1R in cancers facilitates an immune response against tumors.

About Five Prime Therapeutics

Five Prime Therapeutics, from San Francisco, also partners with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and UCB Pharma. In October 2014, Five Prime announced an expansion of its collaboration with GSK. The two companies intend to identify new agents for refractory asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for 18 more months.