Biotechnology firm I-Mab (IMAB) announced on Wednesday its new clinical trial collaboration and supply agreement with Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY).
The partnership will explore the efficacy of combining givastomig—an investigational Claudin 18.2 x 4-1BB bispecific antibody developed jointly by I-Mab and ABL Bio—with Bristol Myers Squibb's nivolumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, and chemotherapy (FOLFOX or CAPOX). This combination will be assessed as a potential first-line treatment for patients suffering from advanced Claudin 18.2-positive gastric and esophageal cancers.
According to the agreement, I-Mab will conduct a multi-national Phase 1 study, with Bristol Myers Squibb providing the nivolumab.
Nivolumab functions as an immune checkpoint inhibitor designed to prevent the PD-L1 protein on cancer cells from binding to PD-1. This interruption enhances T-cell activity, leading to improved anti-tumor responses.
