Janssen and B-MS in collaboration over immuno-oncology in lung cancer

Janssen Biotech, a subsidiary of US healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), has announced a collaboration with pharma major Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) to evaluate the combination of two immuno-oncology compounds in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

A Phase II trial will test the tolerability and clinical activity of the combination of Janssen's investigational immunotherapy JNJ-64041757 and B-MS’ PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor, Opdivo (nivolumab), in NSCLC patients.

JNJ-64041757 is an antigen-presentation therapeutic which Janssen licensed from USA-based Aduro Biotech (Nasdaq: ADRO) in 2014, which is currently in Phase I development. It is designed to induce the local recruitment and activation of innate and adaptive effector cells and expansion of mesothelin-specific T cells.