Bristol-Myers Squibb releases interim analysis of lirilumab, Opvido trial

Bristol-Myers Squibb and Innate Pharma have released the interim effectiveness analysis of its Phase 1/2 trial involving the lirilumab and Opdivo combination.
“The interim efficacy results indicate that targeting both the KIR and PD-1 pathways with lirilumab and Opdivo, respectively, may provide enhanced clinical activity, particularly in PD-L1 positive tumors, with deep and durable responses in some patients," the study’s lead author Rom Leidner said. "We look forward to continuing the study of this novel combination in patients with advanced platinum refractory squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, which is the seventh-leading cause of cancer globally.”
The patients in the trial showed a 24 percent objective response rate (ORR) to the medication.
“The preliminary signals of anti-tumor activity we are seeing with the combination of lirilumab and Opdivo in head and neck cancer patients compare favorably to data previously presented on Opdivo monotherapy in a similar patient population. We are encouraged by the suggestion of enhanced benefit, particularly in inflamed tumors as defined by increasing PD-L1 expression," Bristol-Myers Squibb Head of Oncology Early Assets Development Tim Reilly said.