Noxopharm (ASX:NOX) has announced its investigative cancer therapy Veyonda will be trialed with Bristol-Myers Squibb's immunotherapy OPDIVO (nivolumab).
The program, which is known as IONIC stands for Immuno-Oncology with VeyoNda and Immune Checkpoint inhibitors, will see Noxopharm join with principal investigator Professor Paul De Souza and three Sydney hospitals for a pilot study (IONIC-1).
"Immune checkpoint inhibitors such as nivolumab have revolutionised the treatment of some cancers with what can be dramatic life-saving benefits," said Noxopharm in a statement.
"However, some patients have inherent resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors and the IONIC-1 study will investigate whether Veyonda is able to overcome this resistance in patients with cancers such as breast, ovarian, prostate and sarcoma cancers."
The IONIC-1 pilot study will investigate the combination of Veyonda and nivolumab for the treatment of a range of tumour types in approximately 30 cancer patients. It is anticipated that the first patients will be recruited early in the New Year.
Lead investigator Professor De Souza is an oncologist and thought leader with extensive experience in cancer drug development.
"I’m excited to be working with Noxopharm and Bristol Myers Squibb on this study. Checkpoint inhibitors have made a tremendous difference to some patients with advanced cancer and if we can increase the number of patients that respond through the addition of Veyonda to their treatment regimen, we will make a significant impact, not only to those individuals, but also on the oncology landscape," said Professor De Souza.