Roche and BMS Ink Skin Cancer Pact

Under the agreement, the two companies will conduct a Phase I/II study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the combination.

Roche and Bristol-Myers Squibb have inked a collaboration agreement to evaluate BMS’ CTLA-4 inhibitor, YERVOY (ipilimumab), in combination with Roche’s investigational oral BRAF inhibitor, vemurafenib, for the treatment of a specific type of metastatic melanoma.

Under the agreement, the two companies will conduct a Phase I/II study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the combination and if appropriate, may conduct further development exploring the potential role of this regimen in the treatment of metastatic melanoma.

"We have made significant progress in treating metastatic melanoma and hope to further improve outcomes by combining two agents that target this deadly disease in different ways,” said Hal Barron M.D., chief medical officer and head, Globa