Pharmaceutical Business review

Bristol-Myers, Roche in YERVOY, vemurafenib clinical collaboration agreement

YERVOY is a recombinant, human monoclonal antibody that blocks the cytotoxic T- lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), a negative regulator of T-cell activation.

The US Food and Drug Administration approved YERVOY 3 mg/kg for the treatment of patients with unresectable (inoperable) or metastatic melanoma.

Under the agreement, the two companies will conduct a Phase I/II study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the combination.

If appropriate, the companies may conduct further development of the combination.

The agreement represents an important cross-company collaboration exploring the potential role of this regimen in the treatment of metastatic melanoma.