QIMR Berghofer and Bristol-Myers Squibb collaborate on cancer antibodies

Brisbane’s QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute and New York-based pharmaceutical company Bristol-Myers Squibb have signed a research collaboration and licence agreement to discover novel therapeutic antibodies against an undisclosed immuno-oncology target.

Bristol-Myers Squibb is leading research in the field of 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 immuno-oncology agents that target different pathways in the treatment of cancer.

QIMR Berghofer, meanwhile, is a translational research institute focused on cancer, infectious diseases, mental health and a range of complex disorders. Working in close collaboration with clinicians and other research institutes, the institute’s aim is to improve health by developing new diagnostics, better treatments and prevention strategies.

The agreement with Bristol-Myers Squibb will see the biopharma company become solely responsible for clinical development and commercialisation of antibodies discovered through the collaboration. It is the latest in a series of strategic partnerships that “accelerate the discovery and development of novel immunotherapies through innovative science and technologies”, according to Dr Carl Decicco, head of discovery, R&D, Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Dr Decicco said Bristol-Myers Squibb is “excited to work with QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, a partner that brings significant experience and expertise in cancer research”. The institute’s director and CEO, Professor Frank Gannon, added that Bristol-Myers Squibb has “world-leading expertise in immuno-oncology and a proven track record developing multiple cancer therapies on the market”.

Source