U.S. Food and Drug Administration Approves Opdivo® (nivolumab) as Adjuvant Treatment for Eligible Patients with Completely Resected Stage IIB or Stage IIC Melanoma¹

Rhea-AI Summary

Opdivo (nivolumab) receives FDA approval for adjuvant treatment of stage IIB or IIC melanoma, reducing risk of recurrence by 58% compared to placebo.

Positive

• Opdivo (nivolumab) demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in recurrence-free survival compared to placebo in the Phase 3 CheckMate -76K trial.
• Opdivo is the only PD-1 inhibitor indicated as adjuvant treatment for eligible patients with stages IIB, IIC, III, and completely resected stage IV melanoma.

Negative

• None.

In the Phase 3 CheckMate -76K trial, Opdivo demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in recurrence-free survival compared to placebo¹

CheckMate -76K marks the fifth Opdivo-based indication in earlier stages of cancer, in the U.S.¹

Opdivo is the only PD-1 inhibitor that is indicated as an adjuvant treatment for eligible patients with stages IIB, IIC, III, as well as stage IV completely resected melanoma¹

PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) today announced that Opdivo^® (nivolumab) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the adjuvant treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older with completely resected stage IIB or IIC melanoma, expanding upon the existing adjuvant indication for Opdivo and further reinforcing the company’s legacy of providing treatment options for melanoma patients.¹ The approval is based on the Phase 3 CheckMate -76K trial, which compared Opdivo (n=526) to placebo (n=264).^1,2

In the trial, Opdivo reduced the risk of recurrence, new primary melanoma, or death in patients with completely resected stage IIB or IIC melanoma by 58% compared to placebo (Hazard Ratio [HR] 0.42; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.30-0.59; P<0.0001).¹ At one year, the recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate was 89% (95% CI: 86-92) for Opdivo versus 79% (95% CI: 74-84) for placebo.³ Additionally, in a pre-specified, exploratory subgroup analysis, the RFS unstratified HR was 0.34 (95% CI: 0.20-0.56) in patients with stage IIB melanoma, and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.32-0.81) in stage IIC melanoma patients.³ One-year RFS rates by stage for patients who received Opdivo were 93% (95% CI: 89–95) in stage IIB versus 84% (95% CI: 77–89) with placebo, and 84% (95% CI: 78–88) in stage IIC versus 72% (95% CI: 62–80) with placebo.³

“Following surgical removal of melanoma, patients may believe they are free of disease,” said John M. Kirkwood, M.D., Distinguished Professor of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Co-Director of the Melanoma Center at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. “However, within five years of diagnosis, one-third of patients with surgically resected stage IIB and nearly one-half of patients with surgically resected IIC melanoma see their cancer return, underscoring the need for additional treatment options that may help reduce the risk of cancer coming back.⁴ The significant recurrence-free survival improvement observed with nivolumab in CheckMate -76K is an important step forward for these patients.”¹

Opdivo is associated with the following Warnings & Precautions: severe and fatal immune-mediated adverse reactions, including pneumonitis, colitis, hepatitis and hepatotoxicity, endocrinopathies, dermatologic adverse reactions, nephritis with renal dysfunction, other immune-mediated adverse reactions; infusion-related reactions; complications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT); embryo-fetal toxicity; and increased mortality in patients with multiple myeloma when Opdivo is added to a thalidomide analogue and dexamethasone, which is not recommended outside of controlled clinical trials.¹ Please see Important Safety Information below.

“Stage IIB and IIC melanoma patients may still face the threat of disease recurrence, despite the benefit of surgery, which can impact outcomes,” said Catherine Owen, senior vice president and general manager, U.S. Cardiovascular, Immunology and Oncology at Bristol Myers Squibb.^4,5 “This approval builds on our existing adjuvant indication in completely resected stage III or IV disease and now provides eligible patients with completely resected stage IIB or IIC melanoma an additional treatment option which may help prevent recurrence. BMS remains committed to its goal of helping improve patient outcomes in melanoma and bringing immunotherapy to more patients, including in the earlier stages of disease.”¹

The FDA previously approved Opdivo for the adjuvant treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older with melanoma with involvement of lymph nodes or metastatic disease who have undergone complete resection, based upon data from the CheckMate -238 trial.¹

Additional CheckMate -76K follow-up data will be presented at the Society for Melanoma Research Annual Meeting in November.

About CheckMate -76K

CheckMate -76K is a Phase 3, randomized, double-blind study evaluating adjuvant Opdivo (nivolumab) 480 mg IV Q4W (n=526) versus placebo IV Q4W (n=264) in patients with completely resected stage IIB or IIC melanoma.^1,2

The primary endpoint of the trial is recurrence-free survival (RFS) as assessed by the investigator.¹ Secondary endpoints of the trial include overall survival (OS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), progression-free survival through next-line therapy (PFS2), and safety.³ Patients were treated for up to 1 year, or until disease recurrence or unacceptable toxicity.¹ The trial excluded patients with ocular/uveal or mucosal melanoma, autoimmune disease, any condition requiring systemic treatment with either corticosteroids (≥10 mg daily prednisone or equivalent) or other immunosuppressive medications, as well as patients with prior therapy for melanoma except surgery.¹

The FDA-approved dosing for Opdivo for adjuvant treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older with completely resected stage IIB/C melanoma and weighing ≥40kg is Opdivo 240 mg every 2 weeks or 480 mg every 4 weeks administered as an IV infusion over 30 minutes until disease recurrence or unacceptable toxicity for up to 1 year.¹ The FDA-approved dosing for Opdivo in pediatric patients age 12 years and older and weighing <40kg is Opdivo 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks or 6 mg/kg every 4 weeks administered as an IV infusion over 30 minutes until disease recurrence or unacceptable toxicity for up to 1 year.¹

About Melanoma

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) located in the skin.⁶ In the United States, approximately 97,610 new diagnoses of melanoma and about 7,990 related deaths are estimated for 2023.⁷ Stage II makes up approximately 16.5% of newly diagnosed stage I and II melanomas, and approximately half of these stage II diagnoses are IIB and IIC.⁴ Surgery (resection) remains a standard of care for stage IIB or IIC melanoma, but approximately one-third of patients with surgically resected stage IIB and nearly one-half of patients with surgically resected stage IIC melanoma experience recurrence within five years after diagnosis.^4,8 As melanoma progresses to more advanced disease, it becomes more challenging to treat and survival rates decline.⁶

INDICATION

OPDIVO^® is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older with completely resected Stage IIB, Stage IIC, Stage III, or Stage IV melanoma.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Severe and Fatal Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions

Immune-mediated adverse reactions listed herein may not include all possible severe and fatal immune-mediated adverse reactions.

Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which may be severe or fatal, can occur in any organ system or tissue. While immune-mediated adverse reactions usually manifest during treatment, they can also occur after discontinuation of OPDIVO. Early identification and management are essential to ensure safe use of OPDIVO. Monitor for signs and symptoms that may be clinical manifestations of underlying immune-mediated adverse reactions. Evaluate clinical chemistries including liver enzymes, creatinine, and thyroid function at baseline and periodically during treatment with OPDIVO. In cases of suspected immune-mediated adverse reactions, initiate appropriate workup to exclude alternative etiologies, including infection. Institute medical management promptly, including specialty consultation as appropriate.

Withhold or permanently discontinue OPDIVO depending on severity (please see section 2 Dosage and Administration in the accompanying Full Prescribing Information). In general, if OPDIVO interruption or discontinuation is required, administer systemic corticosteroid therapy (1 to 2 mg/kg/day prednisone or equivalent) until improvement to Grade 1 or less. Upon improvement to Grade 1 or less, initiate corticosteroid taper and continue to taper over at least 1 month. Consider administration of other systemic immunosuppressants in patients whose immune-mediated adverse reactions are not controlled with corticosteroid therapy. Toxicity management guidelines for adverse reactions that do not necessarily require systemic steroids (e.g., endocrinopathies and dermatologic reactions) are discussed below.

Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis. The incidence of pneumonitis is higher in patients who have received prior thoracic radiation. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 3.1% (61/1994) of patients, including Grade 4 (<0.1%), Grade 3 (0.9%), and Grade 2 (2.1%).

Immune-Mediated Colitis

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated colitis. A common symptom included in the definition of colitis was diarrhea. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection/reactivation has been reported in patients with corticosteroid-refractory immune-mediated colitis. In cases of corticosteroid-refractory colitis, consider repeating infectious workup to exclude alternative etiologies. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated colitis occurred in 2.9% (58/1994) of patients, including Grade 3 (1.7%) and Grade 2 (1%).

Immune-Mediated Hepatitis and Hepatotoxicity

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated hepatitis. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 1.8% (35/1994) of patients, including Grade 4 (0.2%), Grade 3 (1.3%), and Grade 2 (0.4%).

Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies

OPDIVO can cause primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency, immune-mediated hypophysitis, immune-mediated thyroid disorders, and Type 1 diabetes mellitus, which can present with diabetic ketoacidosis. Withhold OPDIVO depending on severity (please see section 2 Dosage and Administration in the accompanying Full Prescribing Information). For Grade 2 or higher adrenal insufficiency, initiate symptomatic treatment, including hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Hypophysitis can present with acute symptoms associated with mass effect such as headache, photophobia, or visual field defects. Hypophysitis can cause hypopituitarism; initiate hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Thyroiditis can present with or without endocrinopathy.

Hypothyroidism can follow hyperthyroidism; initiate hormone replacement or medical management as clinically indicated. Monitor patients for hyperglycemia or other signs and symptoms of diabetes; initiate treatment with insulin as clinically indicated.

In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 1% (20/1994), including Grade 3 (0.4%) and Grade 2 (0.6%).

In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, hypophysitis occurred in 0.6% (12/1994) of patients, including Grade 3 (0.2%) and Grade 2 (0.3%).

In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, thyroiditis occurred in 0.6% (12/1994) of patients, including Grade 2 (0.2%).

In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, hyperthyroidism occurred in 2.7% (54/1994) of patients, including Grade 3 (<0.1%) and Grade 2 (1.2%).

In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, hypothyroidism occurred in 8% (163/1994) of patients, including Grade 3 (0.2%) and Grade 2 (4.8%).

In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, diabetes occurred in 0.9% (17/1994) of patients, including Grade 3 (0.4%) and Grade 2 (0.3%), and 2 cases of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Immune-Mediated Nephritis with Renal Dysfunction

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated nephritis. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated nephritis and renal dysfunction occurred in 1.2% (23/1994) of patients, including Grade 4 (<0.1%), Grade 3 (0.5%), and Grade 2 (0.6%).

Immune-Mediated Dermatologic Adverse Reactions

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated rash or dermatitis. Exfoliative dermatitis, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) has occurred with PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies. Topical emollients and/or topical corticosteroids may be adequate to treat mild to moderate nonexfoliative rashes.

Withhold or permanently discontinue OPDIVO depending on severity (please see section 2 Dosage and Administration in the accompanying Full Prescribing Information).

In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated rash occurred in 9% (171/1994) of patients, including Grade 3 (1.1%) and Grade 2 (2.2%).

Other Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions

The following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred at an incidence of <1% (unless otherwise noted) in patients who received OPDIVO monotherapy or were reported with the use of other PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies. Severe or fatal cases have been reported for some of these adverse reactions: cardiac/vascular: myocarditis, pericarditis, vasculitis; nervous system: meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis and demyelination, myasthenic syndrome/myasthenia gravis (including exacerbation), Guillain-Barré syndrome, nerve paresis, autoimmune neuropathy; ocular: uveitis, iritis, and other ocular inflammatory toxicities can occur; gastrointestinal: pancreatitis to include increases in serum amylase and lipase levels, gastritis, duodenitis; musculoskeletal and connective tissue: myositis/polymyositis, rhabdomyolysis, and associated sequelae including renal failure, arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica; endocrine: hypoparathyroidism; other (hematologic/immune): hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), systemic inflammatory response syndrome, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi lymphadenitis), sarcoidosis, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, solid organ transplant rejection.

Some ocular IMAR cases can be associated with retinal detachment. Various grades of visual impairment, including blindness, can occur. If uveitis occurs in combination with other immune-mediated adverse reactions, consider a Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada–like syndrome, which has been observed in patients receiving OPDIVO, as this may require treatment with systemic corticosteroids to reduce the risk of permanent vision loss.

Infusion-Related Reactions

OPDIVO can cause severe infusion-related reactions. Discontinue OPDIVO in patients with severe (Grade 3) or life-threatening (Grade 4) infusion-related reactions. Interrupt or slow the rate of infusion in patients with mild (Grade 1) or moderate (Grade 2) infusion-related reactions. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy as a 60-minute infusion, infusion-related reactions occurred in 6.4% (127/1994) of patients. In a separate trial in which patients received OPDIVO monotherapy as a 60-minute infusion or a 30-minute infusion, infusion-related reactions occurred in 2.2% (8/368) and 2.7% (10/369) of patients, respectively. Additionally, 0.5% (2/368) and 1.4% (5/369) of patients, respectively, experienced adverse reactions within 48 hours of infusion that led to dose delay, permanent discontinuation or withholding of OPDIVO.

Complications of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Fatal and other serious complications can occur in patients who receive allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) before or after being treated with OPDIVO. Transplant-related complications include hyperacute graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD), acute GVHD, chronic GVHD, hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) after reduced intensity conditioning, and steroid-requiring febrile syndrome (without an identified infectious cause). These complications may occur despite intervening therapy between OPDIVO and allogeneic HSCT.

Follow patients closely for evidence of transplant-related complications and intervene promptly. Consider the benefit versus risks of treatment with OPDIVO prior to or after an allogeneic HSCT.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on its mechanism of action and findings from animal studies, OPDIVO can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with OPDIVO and for at least 5 months after the last dose.

Increased Mortality in Patients with Multiple Myeloma when OPDIVO is Added to a Thalidomide Analogue and Dexamethasone

In randomized clinical trials in patients with multiple myeloma, the addition of OPDIVO to a thalidomide analogue plus dexamethasone resulted in increased mortality. Treatment of patients with multiple myeloma with a PD-1 or PD-L1 blocking antibody in combination with a thalidomide analogue plus dexamethasone is not recommended outside of controlled clinical trials.

Lactation

There are no data on the presence of OPDIVO in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed children, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment and for 5 months after the last dose.

Serious Adverse Reactions

In Checkmate 76K, serious adverse reactions occurred in 18% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=524). Adverse reactions which resulted in permanent discontinuation of OPDIVO in >1% of patients included arthralgia (1.7%), rash (1.7%), and diarrhea (1.1%). A fatal adverse reaction occurred in 1 (0.2%) patient (heart failure and acute kidney injury). The most frequent Grade 3-4 lab abnormalities reported in ≥1% of OPDIVO-treated patients were increased lipase (2.9%), increased AST (2.2%), increased ALT (2.1%), lymphopenia (1.1%), and decreased potassium (1.0%).

Common Adverse Reactions

In Checkmate -76K, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) reported with OPDIVO (n=524) were fatigue (36%), musculoskeletal pain (30%), rash (28%) diarrhea (23%) and pruritis (20%).

Please see US Full Prescribing Information for OPDIVO.

Bristol Myers Squibb: Creating a Better Future for People with Cancer

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.

About Bristol Myers Squibb’s Patient Access Support

Bristol Myers Squibb remains committed to providing assistance so that cancer patients who need our medicines can access them and expedite time to therapy.

BMS Access Support^®, the Bristol Myers Squibb patient access and reimbursement program, is designed to help appropriate patients initiate and maintain access to BMS medicines during their treatment journey. BMS Access Support offers benefit investigation, prior authorization assistance, as well as co-pay assistance for eligible, commercially insured patients. More information about our access and reimbursement support can be obtained by calling BMS Access Support at 1-800-861-0048 or by visiting www.bmsaccesssupport.com.

About the Bristol Myers Squibb and Ono Pharmaceutical Collaboration

In 2011, through a collaboration agreement with Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Bristol Myers Squibb expanded its territorial rights to develop and commercialize Opdivo globally, except in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, where Ono had retained all rights to the compound at the time. On July 23, 2014, Ono and Bristol Myers Squibb further expanded the companies’ strategic collaboration agreement to jointly develop and commercialize multiple immunotherapies — as single agents and combination regimens – for patients with cancer in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

About Bristol Myers Squibb

Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding, among other things, the research, development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products. All statements that are not statements of historical facts are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and projections about our future financial results, goals, plans and objectives and involve inherent risks, assumptions and uncertainties, including internal or external factors that could delay, divert or change any of them in the next several years, that are difficult to predict, may be beyond our control and could cause our future financial results, goals, plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the statements. These risks, assumptions, uncertainties and other factors include, among others, whether Opdivo^® (nivolumab), for the additional indication described in this press release, will be commercially successful, that any marketing approvals, if granted, may have significant limitations on their use, and that continued approval of such product candidate for such additional indication described in this press release may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefits in confirmatory trials. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated together with the many risks and uncertainties that affect Bristol Myers Squibb’s business and market, particularly those identified in the cautionary statement and risk factors discussion in Bristol Myers Squibb’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, as updated by our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made only as of the date of this document and except as otherwise required by applicable law, Bristol Myers Squibb undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise.

References

1. Opdivo Prescribing Information. Opdivo U.S. Product Information. Last updated: October 2023. Princeton, NJ: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.
2. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04099251. Effectiveness Study of Nivolumab Compared to Placebo in Prevention of Recurrent Melanoma After Complete Resection of Stage IIB/C Melanoma (CheckMate76K). https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04099251. Last updated September 7, 2023.
3. Long GV, Del Vecchio M, Weber J, et al. Adjuvant therapy with nivolumab versus placebo in patients with resected stage IIB/C melanoma (CheckMate 76K). Presented at: Society for Melanoma Research 2022 International Congress; October 17-20, 2022; Edinburgh, Scotland.
4. Garbe C, Keim U, Amaral T, et al. Prognosis of Patients With Primary Melanoma Stage I and II According to American Joint Committee on Cancer Version 8 Validated in Two Independent Cohorts: Implications for Adjuvant Treatment. J Clin Oncol. 2022;40(32):3741-3749. doi:10.1200/JCO.22.00202
5. Jang S, Poretta T, Bhagnani T, et al. Real-World Recurrence Rates and Economic Burden in Patients with Resected Early-Stage Melanoma. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2020;10(5):985-999. doi:10.1007/s13555-020-00404-9
6. What Is Melanoma Skin Cancer? American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/melanoma-skin-cancer/about/what-is-melanoma.html. Published August 14, 2019. Accessed September 5, 2023.
7. Key Statistics for Melanoma Skin Cancer. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/melanoma-skin-cancer/about/key-statistics.html. Revised January 12, 2023. Accessed September 5, 2023.
8. Treatment of Melanoma Skin Cancer, by Stage. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/melanoma-skin-cancer/treating/by-stage.html. Revised March 22, 2022. Accessed September 5, 2023.

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FAQ

What is the Phase 3 CheckMate -76K trial?

The Phase 3 CheckMate -76K trial is a clinical trial that compared the effectiveness of Opdivo (nivolumab) to placebo in reducing the risk of recurrence in patients with completely resected stage IIB or IIC melanoma.

What is the recurrence-free survival rate for Opdivo?

At one year, the recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate for Opdivo was 89%.

What are the potential side effects of Opdivo?

Opdivo is associated with severe and fatal immune-mediated adverse reactions, infusion-related reactions, and other immune-mediated adverse reactions. Please see Important Safety Information for more details.