Key Bristol-Myers drugs in development target cancer types, transplants, heart disease

A look at key Bristol-Myers drugs in late testing

Some key experimental drugs in late-stage testing by biopharmaceutical company Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.:

—ipilimumuab, for melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Data from a late-stage study could be presented at a major cancer meeting in June; the company will soon seek regulatory approval for use in patients previously treated for the cancer. The company also will start a late-stage study of the drug for non-small cell lung cancer.

—apixiban, for preventing life-threatening blood clots. Bristol-Myers will seek approval in Europe by June and may see U.S. approval by year-end. It’s also testing the drug for preventing strokes.

—belatacept, for preventing rejection of a newly transplanted kidney. A panel of Food and Drug Administration advisers voted 13 to 5 on Monday to recommend approval, and the agency could rule by May 1. Approval also is pending in Europe.

—dapagliflozin, to control blood sugar and reduce weight and blood pressure in diabetics. The company may file for U.S. and European approval by year-end.

—brivanib, for liver cancer. It’s in late-stage testing.

—necitumumab, for non-small cell lung cancer. In late testing; being developed jointly with Eli Lilly & Co.

—XL-184, for brain tumors and other cancers. It’s also in late-stage testing.

Source: the company