BMS and Enterome collaborate over immuno-oncology

Bristol-Myers Squibb and Enterome, a pharmaceutical development and diagnostic company, have entered into a collaboration agreement focusing on immuno-oncology.

The collaboration centres on the development of “microbiome-derived biomarkers, drug targets and bioactive molecules” to be developed as potential companion diagnostics and therapeutics for cancer, said a statement from the companies.

Under the terms of the agreement, Bristol-Myers Squibb will be granted exclusive rights to intellectual property and therapies generated during the collaboration.

Enterome, a French company, will receive $15 million from Bristol-Myers Squibb as an upfront payment for access to its technology and research and development funding.

Carl Decicco, head of discovery at Bristol-Myers Squibb, said: “We continue to pursue the full potential of immuno-oncology by applying rapidly evolving science, technology and research to our strong foundation in harnessing the immune system to fight cancer.”

Pierre Belichard, CEO at Enterome, added: “The exciting combination of Bristol-Myers Squibb’s extensive capabilities in immuno-oncology with our expertise in identifying novel targets and molecules derived from the gut microbiome is highly complementary, and offers a unique opportunity to develop a new generation of cancer drugs and diagnostics.”