Skin Cancer Drug from Bristol-Myers Squibb Co Earns European Commission Approval

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co

Opdualag by Bristol-Myers Squibb Co (NYSE: BMY) was recently approved for the first-line therapy of advanced (unresectable or metastatic) melanoma in adults and adolescents with tumor cell PD-L1 expression of less than 1%, according to their recent announcement

First Fixed-Dose Bristol Myers Squibb Treatment

The PD-1 inhibitor Opdivo (nivolumab) and LAG-3-blocking antibody relatlimab are components of the dual immunotherapy treatment, Opdualag. The treatment is a first-of-its-kind, fixed-dose combo treatment. An exploratory analysis of the results of phase II/III RELATIVITY-047 study in patients with tumor cell expression of 1% formed the basis for the decision made by the EC. This study demonstrated that treatment with the fixed-dose combination of the PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab and novel LAG-3-blocking antibody relatlimab more than doubled the progression-free survival (PFS). The treatment was compared to nivolumab monotherapy, an established standard. The data did not demonstrate any adverse events associated with the combination treatment. The endpoint of progression-free survival in the RELATIVITY-047 study was likewise achieved in the all-comer population. The medicine has additionally been granted approval in the United States for the treatment of adult patients as well as juvenile kids who are at least 12 years old and have the same diagnosis. In contrast to the 23.6% decrease the industry experienced so far this year, shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb Co (NYSE: BMY) have increased by 14.7%. 

Research on Investment

One of Bristol Myers’ top drugs, Revlimid, is now facing generic competition, affecting the entire line and eroding sales rapidly. The approval of potential new drugs and expansion of existing drugs will add revenue in the coming quarters. Camzyos (mavacamten, 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg capsules) has been given the go-ahead in the United States. The treatment was for adults with symptomatic class II-III obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (obstructive HCM). The therapy improves both functional capacity and symptoms associated with the condition. 

The mid-stage AXIOMATIC-SSP dose-ranging trial of the experimental candidate milvexian, which was disclosed last month, yielded dismal results. Patients with acute ischemic stroke or a transient ischemic attack taking aspirin and clopidogrel are being studied for a new drug to prevent a subsequent symptomatic ischemic stroke or a hidden brain infarction. Keytruda, manufactured by Merck (MRK Quick QuoteMRK – Free Report), presents a formidable obstacle for Bristol-Opdivo, Myers’s, which is regarded as one of the company’s most successful pharmaceutical products. Merck’s business is primarily driven by this medication, which has been authorized for use in multiple cancer indications. 

Zacks has placed Bristol-Myers Squibb Co (NYSE: BMY) in the third spot. Bolt Pharmaceuticals and Dynavax, now sporting a Zacks Rank #2, are two of the better-ranked companies in the sector.

In the previous 60 days, analysts’ projections for BOLT’s loss have been revised downward to $2.25 from $2.87. BOLT’s earnings were above expectations in three of the most recent four quarters but below expectations in the remaining one; the company’s average beat was 2.39 percent. 

In the past 60 days, analysts’ projections for Dynavax’s earnings have increased from $1.14 to $1.73 for 2022. The profits of DVAX have met or exceeded expectations in two of the most recent four quarters but have fallen short in the remaining two quarters, resulting in an average beat of 70.57%.

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About the author: Valerie Ablang is a freelance writer with a background in scientific research and an interest in stock market analysis. She previously worked as an article writer for various industrial niches. Aside from being a writer, she is also a professional chemist, wife, and mother to her son. She loves to spend her free time watching movies and learning creative design.