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Nivolumab (Opdivo)
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has lifted the partial clinical hold placed on 2 trials of the PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab (Opdivo).
In these trials, CheckMate-039 (CA209 -039) and CA204142, researchers are investigating nivolumab-based combinations in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (MM).
The partial clinical hold on these trials was a result of risks identified in studies involving another anti-PD-1 agent, pembrolizumab.
Data from the pembrolizumab trials suggested that risks outweigh benefits when PD-1/PD-L1 treatment is given to MM patients in combination with dexamethasone and pomalidomide or lenalidomide.
In addition, there could be an unfavorable risk-benefit ratio for MM patients receiving PD-1/PD-L1 treatments alone or in other combinations.
Therefore, the FDA placed a partial hold on the following nivolumab trials:
- CheckMate-602: A randomized, phase 3 trial of combinations of nivolumab, elotuzumab, pomalidomide, and dexamethasone in relapsed and refractory MM
- CheckMate-039: A phase 1 study intended to establish the tolerability of nivolumab and the combination of nivolumab and daratumumab, with or without pomalidomide and dexamethasone, in patients with relapsed or refractory MM
- CA204142: A phase 2 study of elotuzumab in combination with pomalidomide and low-dose dexamethasone, and in combination with nivolumab, in patients with MM who relapsed after or were refractory to prior treatment with lenalidomide.
After consulting with Bristol-Myers Squibb, the FDA decided to lift the hold on CheckMate-039 (CA209 -039) and CA204142. These trials will continue with amended protocols.
The third trial, CheckMate-602, remains on partial clinical hold. Bristol-Myers Squibb said it is continuing to work with the FDA to determine next steps for this trial.
CheckMate-602 is not enrolling new patients. However, patients who are experiencing clinical benefit are continuing to receive treatment.
