BioNTech, Bristol Myers' immunotherapy shows encouraging tumour shrinkage in Phase II trial
08/09/2025 16:00
FRANKFURT, Sept 8 (Reuters) - A next-generation cancer immunotherapy by BioNTech BNTX.O and partner Bristol Myers Squibb BMY.N led to encouraging tumour shrinkage in a mid-stage trial on small cell lung cancer that has started spreading, the German biotech firm said on Monday. A Phase II trial showed that 76.3% of the 38 participants on the drug BNT327, also know as pumitamig, who qualified for an interim analysis saw their tumours shrink, BioNTech said in a statement. The drug candidate, which was used in combination with chemotherapy, demonstrated a manageable safety profile with no new safety concerns and a low rate of people dropping out due to side effects, it added. The drug is already being tested in a Phase III lung cancer trial. Bristol Myers in June agreed to pay up to $11.1 billion to collaborate with BioNTech on the experimental drug, betting on a next-generation cancer immunotherapy that could take on rival Merck & Co's best-selling drug Keytruda. Several rival companies are pursuing an approach similar to pumitamig, which is designed to activate the immune system - like the established drug class including Keytruda - but also to cut a tumour off from its blood supply. (Reporting by Ludwig Burger, Editing by Miranda Murray) ((ludwig.burger@thomsonreuters.com;))