Approval based on results from the Phase 3 CheckMate -76K trial in patients with stage IIB or IIC melanoma, in which Opdivo reduced the risk of recurrence or death by 58% versus placebo

Opdivo is the only PD-1 inhibitor that is indicated as an adjuvant treatment for patients within stages IIB, IIC, III, as well as stage IV resected melanoma

PRINCETON, NJ, USA I August 22, 2023 I Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) today announced that the European Commission (EC) has approved Opdivo (nivolumab) as a monotherapy for the adjuvant treatment of adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older with stage IIB or IIC melanoma who have undergone complete resection, based upon results from the CheckMate -76K trial.

This approval builds upon the 2018 EC approval based on results from the CheckMate -238 trial. Opdivo is now indicated for use in the European Union as a monotherapy for the adjuvant treatment of adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older with stage IIB or IIC melanoma, or melanoma with involvement of lymph nodes or metastatic disease who have undergone complete resection. Opdivo is now the only PD-1 inhibitor that – between two approvals – is indicated as an adjuvant treatment within stages IIB, IIC, III, as well as stage IV resected melanoma.

“Patients with stage IIB or IIC melanoma are at a high risk of disease recurrence following surgery. This can be a very impactful event for patients,” said Peter Mohr, MD, Chief Physician and Head, Skin Cancer Center, Buxtehude, Department of Dermatology, Elbe-Kliniken, Germany. “This approval reinforces the benefit that nivolumab may offer when used after resection, potentially preventing the disease from recurring.”

The EC’s decision is based on results from the Phase 3 CheckMate -76K trial, in which, with a minimum follow-up of 7.8 months, Opdivo reduced the risk of recurrence or death in patients with stage IIB or IIC melanoma by 58% versus placebo (hazard ratio [HR] 0.42; 95% CI: 0.30-0.59; p<0.0001). The safety profile of Opdivo was consistent with previously reported studies.

CheckMate -76K is part of Bristol Myers Squibb’s development program which explores the use of Opdivo and Opdivo-based combinations in earlier stages of cancer.

“With this approval, we can now offer patients in the European Union with stage IIB or IIC resected melanoma an efficacious treatment option that significantly reduced the risk of disease recurrence,” said Gina Fusaro, Ph.D., vice president, global program lead, Bristol Myers Squibb. “This approval builds on our long-standing commitment to bring innovative medicines to patients across the cancer spectrum, including in earlier stages of cancer. We thank all the patients, researchers, and physicians who were involved along the way to help make this additional option for patients possible.”

The EC approval covers all European Union member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. Centralized Marketing Authorization does not include approval in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales).

CheckMate –76K Efficacy and Safety Results

Results from the CheckMate –76K study evaluating adjuvant Opdivo versus placebo in patients with completely resected stage IIB or IIC melanoma include:

  • Efficacy: Adjuvant Opdivo, with a minimum follow-up of 7.8 months, reduced the risk of recurrence or death by 58% versus placebo (HR 0.42; 95% CI: 0.30-0.59; p<0.0001). Twelve-month recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates for Opdivo were 89% (95% CI: 86-92) versus 79% (CI: 74-84) for placebo. The RFS benefit was observed across predefined subgroups in the trial, including T category and disease stage.
  • Safety: In the pooled dataset of nivolumab as monotherapy across tumor types (n = 4646) with minimum follow-up ranging from 2.3 to 28 months, the most frequent adverse reactions (≥ 10%) were fatigue (44%), musculoskeletal pain (28%), diarrhea (26%), rash (24%), cough (22%), nausea (22%), pruritus (19%), decreased appetite (17%), arthralgia (17%), constipation (16%), dyspnoea (16%), abdominal pain (15%), upper respiratory tract infection (15%), pyrexia (13%), headache (13%), anemia (13%) and vomiting (12%). The majority of adverse reactions were mild to moderate (Grade 1 or 2).

About CheckMate -76K

CheckMate -76K is a randomized Phase 3, double-blind study evaluating adjuvant Opdivo (nivolumab) 480 mg Q4W for up to 12 months versus placebo in patients with completely resected stage IIB or IIC melanoma.

The primary endpoint of the trial is recurrence-free survival (RFS). Secondary endpoints of the trial include overall survival (OS), distant metastases-free survival (DMFS), progression-free survival on next-line therapy (PFS2), and safety endpoints.

About Melanoma

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) located in the skin. Metastatic melanoma is the deadliest form of the disease and occurs when cancer spreads beyond the surface of the skin to other organs. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that by 2035, melanoma incidence will reach 424,102, with 94,308 related deaths. Melanomas can be mostly treatable when caught in very early stages; however, survival rates can decrease as the disease progresses.

Bristol Myers Squibb: Creating a Better Future for People with Cancer

Bristol Myers Squibb is inspired by a single vision — transforming patients’ lives through science. The goal of the company’s cancer research is to deliver medicines that offer each patient a better, healthier life and to make cure a possibility. Building on a legacy across a broad range of cancers that have changed survival expectations for many, Bristol Myers Squibb researchers are exploring new frontiers in personalized medicine, and through innovative digital platforms, are turning data into insights that sharpen their focus. Deep scientific expertise, cutting-edge capabilities and discovery platforms enable the company to look at cancer from every angle. Cancer can have a relentless grasp on many parts of a patient’s life, and Bristol Myers Squibb is committed to taking actions to address all aspects of care, from diagnosis to survivorship. Because as a leader in cancer care, Bristol Myers Squibb is working to empower all people with cancer to have a better future.

About Opdivo

Opdivo is a programmed death-1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint inhibitor that is designed to uniquely harness the body’s own immune system to help restore anti-tumor immune response. By harnessing the body’s own immune system to fight cancer, Opdivo has become an important treatment option across multiple cancers.

Opdivo’s leading global development program is based on Bristol Myers Squibb’s scientific expertise in the field of Immuno-Oncology and includes a broad range of clinical trials across all phases, including Phase 3, in a variety of tumor types. To date, the Opdivo clinical development program has treated more than 35,000 patients. The Opdivo trials have contributed to gaining a deeper understanding of the potential role of biomarkers in patient care, particularly regarding how patients may benefit from Opdivo across the continuum of PD-L1 expression.

In July 2014, Opdivo was the first PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor to receive regulatory approval anywhere in the world. Opdivo is currently approved in more than 65 countries, including the United States, the European Union, Japan, and China. In October 2015, the Company’s Opdivo and Yervoy combination regimen was the first Immuno-Oncology combination to receive regulatory approval for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and is currently approved in more than 50 countries, including the United States and the European Union.

INDICATIONS

OPDIVO® (nivolumab), as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with unresectable or metastatic melanoma.

OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with unresectable or metastatic melanoma.

OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with melanoma with involvement of lymph nodes or metastatic disease who have undergone complete resection.

OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with platinum-doublet chemotherapy, is indicated as neoadjuvant treatment of adult patients with resectable (tumors ≥4 cm or node positive) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors express PD-L1 (≥1%) as determined by an FDA-approved test, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.

OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab) and 2 cycles of platinum-doublet chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with metastatic or recurrent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.

OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving OPDIVO.

OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM).

OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with intermediate or poor risk advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with cabozantinib, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who have received prior anti-angiogenic therapy.

OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) that has relapsed or progressed after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and brentuximab vedotin or after 3 or more lines of systemic therapy that includes autologous HSCT. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) with disease progression on or after platinum-based therapy.

OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or have disease progression within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy.

OPDIVO® (nivolumab), as a single agent, is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with urothelial carcinoma (UC) who are at high risk of recurrence after undergoing radical resection of UC.

OPDIVO® (nivolumab), as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) that has progressed following treatment with a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) that has progressed following treatment with a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have been previously treated with sorafenib. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.

OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced, recurrent or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after prior fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-based chemotherapy.

OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of completely resected esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer with residual pathologic disease in adult patients who have received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT).

OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum- containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with advanced or metastatic gastric cancer, gastroesophageal junction cancer, and esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Please see US Full Prescribing Information for OPDIVO and YERVOY.

Clinical Trials and Patient Populations

Checkmate 227—previously untreated metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, in combination with YERVOY; Checkmate 9LA–previously untreated recurrent or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer in combination with YERVOY and 2 cycles of platinum-doublet chemotherapy by histology; Checkmate 649–previously untreated advanced or metastatic gastric cancer, gastroesophageal junction and esophageal adenocarcinoma; Checkmate 577–adjuvant treatment of esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer; Checkmate 238– adjuvant treatment of melanoma; Checkmate 274–adjuvant treatment of urothelial carcinoma; Checkmate 275– previously treated advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma; Checkmate 142–MSI-H or dMMR metastatic colorectal cancer, as a single agent or in combination with YERVOY; Checkmate 142–MSI-H or dMMR metastatic colorectal cancer, as a single agent or in combination with YERVOY; Attraction-3–esophageal squamous cell carcinoma; Checkmate 648—previously untreated, unresectable advanced recurrent or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma; Checkmate 648—previously untreated, unresectable advanced recurrent or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma; Checkmate 040–hepatocellular carcinoma, in combination with YERVOY; Checkmate 743–previously untreated unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma, in combination with YERVOY; Checkmate 037–previously treated metastatic melanoma; Checkmate 066—previously untreated metastatic melanoma; Checkmate 067–previously untreated metastatic melanoma, as a single agent or in combination with YERVOY; Checkmate 017–second-line treatment of metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer; Checkmate 057–second-line treatment of metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer; Checkmate 816–neoadjuvant non-small cell lung cancer, in combination with platinum-doublet chemotherapy; Checkmate 141–recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck; Checkmate 025– previously treated renal cell carcinoma; Checkmate 214–previously untreated renal cell carcinoma, in combination with YERVOY; Checkmate 9ER–previously untreated renal cell carcinoma, in combination with cabozantinib; Checkmate 205/039–classical Hodgkin lymphoma.

About the Bristol Myers Squibb and Ono Pharmaceutical Collaboration

In 2011, through a collaboration agreement with Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Bristol Myers Squibb expanded its territorial rights to develop and commercialize Opdivo globally, except in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, where Ono had retained all rights to the compound at the time. On July 23, 2014, Ono and Bristol Myers Squibb further expanded the companies’ strategic collaboration agreement to jointly develop and commercialize multiple immunotherapies – as single agents and combination regimens – for patients with cancer in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

About Bristol Myers Squibb

Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

SOURCE: Bristol Myers Squibb