Kyowa Hakko and Bristol-Myers to trial mogamulizumab with Opdivo

Japanese drugmaker Kyowa Hakko Kirin (TYO: 4151) and USA pharma major Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) have entered into a clinical trial collaboration agreement to conduct a Phase I/II combination study with mogamulizumab, an anti-CCR4 antibody and Opdivo (nivolumab), a PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor.

The study, which will be conducted in the USA, will focus on evaluating the safety, tolerability and anti-tumor activity of combining mogamulizumab and Opdivo as a potential treatment option for patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors. Prior to this agreement, Kyowa Hakko Kirin, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Ono Pharmaceutical (TYO: 4528) entered into a clinical trial collaboration agreement to study the combination of mogamulizumab and Opdivo in Japan.

“Today’s agreement builds on our initial collaboration with Kyowa Hakko Kirin in Japan, which includes our partner Ono Pharmaceutical and is the latest example of our continued commitment to evaluating the potential of combination immuno-oncology regimens for patients with metastatic cancer,” stated Michael Giordano, senior vice president, head of development, oncology, Bristol-Myers Squibb.