BMS and QIMR Berghofer collaborate on novel immuno-oncology antibodies
The collaboration will bring significant experience and expertise to cancer research
Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) and QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute have signed a research collaboration and license agreement to discover novel therapeutic antibodies against an undisclosed immuno-oncology (IO) target.
‘BMS continues to invest in strategic partnerships that accelerate the discovery and development of novel immunotherapies through innovative science and technologies,’ said Carl Decicco, PhD, Head of Discovery, R&D, Bristol-Myers Squibb. ‘We are excited to work with QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, a partner that brings significant experience and expertise to cancer research.’
‘QIMR Berghofer is committed to translational research, so it is gratifying when high quality research at the Institute results in a strategic collaboration,’ said Professor Frank Gannon, QIMR Berghofer Director and CEO. ‘BMS, with its world-leading expertise in immuno-oncology and a proven track record of developing multiple cancer therapies, is the ideal partner to progress these assets to the clinic. We look forward to a fruitful, long-term collaboration, delivering new therapies for cancer patients.’
QIMR Berghofer is a translational research institute focused on cancer, infectious diseases, mental health and a range of complex disorders. BMS will be solely responsible for the clinical development and commercialisation of any antibodies discovered through the collaboration. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Surgery, radiation, cytotoxic or targeted therapies have represented the mainstay of cancer treatment during the past few decades, but long-term survival and a positive quality of life have remained elusive for many patients with advanced disease.
To address this unmet medical need, BMS is leading research into cancer research and treatment known as immuno-oncology, which involves agents whose primary mechanism is to work directly with the body’s immune system to fight cancer. The company is exploring a variety of compounds and immunotherapeutic approaches for patients with different types of cancer, including researching the potential of combining IO agents that target different pathways in the treatment of cancer.