• 09 May 2024
• Admin
• News Article

US FDA Accepts Bristol Myers Squibb’s BLA for Subcutaneous Nivolumab

Overview

Bristol Myers Squibb announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted the Biologics License Application (BLA) for the subcutaneous formulation of Opdivo (nivolumab) co-formulated with Halozyme’s proprietary recombinant human hyaluronidase (rHuPH20) (herein referred to as “ subcutaneous nivolumab”) across all previously approved adult, solid tumour Opdivo indications as monotherapy, monotherapy maintenance following completion of Opdivo plus Yervoy (ipilimumab) combination therapy, or in combination with chemotherapy or cabozantinib. The FDA assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date of February 28, 2025.

Words from Bristol Myers Squibb

• “We believe subcutaneous nivolumab has the potential to make a significant difference in the lives of patients, which is reinforced by the FDA’s acceptance of our application,” said Gina Fusaro, Ph.D., vice president, global programme lead, Bristol Myers Squibb. 
• “Opdivo is a foundational PD-1 inhibitor approved for many different types of cancer, and our continued investment in research that puts patients first remains a priority. If approved by the FDA, the subcutaneous administration of nivolumab would provide patients and their physicians with a new option that delivers the same well-known benefits as IV Opdivo but with the improved convenience of an injection administered in three-to-five minutes rather than a 30-to-60-minute infusion.”

About CheckMate -67T study

• The FDA filing acceptance is based on the phase 3 CheckMate -67T study in which subcutaneous nivolumab demonstrated noninferiority of Cavgd28 (time-averaged Opdivo serum concentration over 28 days) and Cminss (trough serum concentration at steady state), the study’s co-primary endpoints, vs. intravenous (IV) Opdivo in patients with advanced or metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) who have received prior systemic therapy. 
• Additionally, subcutaneous nivolumab showed noninferiority of the key powered secondary endpoint of objective response rate (ORR) as assessed by Blinded Independent Central Review (BICR) vs. IV Opdivo. 
• The safety profile of subcutaneous nivolumab was consistent with the IV formulation. The pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety results from CheckMate -67T were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2024 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium.

CheckMate -67T: Procedure

• CheckMate -67T is a phase 3 randomized, open-label trial evaluating subcutaneous administration of Opdivo co-formulated with Halozyme’s proprietary recombinant human hyaluronidase, rHuPH20, or subcutaneous nivolumab (nivolumab and hyaluronidase) compared to intravenous Opdivo, in patients with advanced or metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) who have received prior systemic therapy. 
• This trial presents an opportunity to potentially bring a subcutaneous formulation of Opdivo to patients. 
• A total of 495 patients were randomized to either subcutaneous nivolumab or intravenous Opdivo. 
• The co-primary endpoints of the trial are time-averaged serum concentration over 28 days (Cavgd28) and trough serum concentration at steady-state (Cminss) of subcutaneous nivolumab vs. intravenous Opdivo. Objective response rate (ORR) is a key secondary endpoint.

Bristol Myers Squibb vision for Cancer Cure

• 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 understanding of causal human biology, cutting-edge capabilities and differentiated research platforms uniquely position the company to approach 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. As a leader in cancer care, Bristol Myers Squibb is working to empower all people with cancer to have a better future.

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-tumour 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 tumour 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.

First in Receiving Approval

• 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 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.