Shaping a new era in cancer research

A broad toolbox of research platforms and modalities enables scientists to match the most suitable approach to the biology of the respective cancer type, drug target and known resistance mechanisms, as well as build novel drug combinations — all with the goal of delivering the maximum therapeutic benefit to patients with few or no treatment options. Cancer researchers and drug development teams work hand-in-hand to identify the most promising molecules for advancement into clinical development. By thoughtfully selecting patient subgroups and trial endpoints, researchers can precisely tailor treatments. Throughout the development process, safety is a core focus, with rigorous testing designed to minimize risk and maximize therapeutic benefit for patients waiting on better treatment options.

Beyond the breakthroughs: the case for continued cancer research

Cancer research has advanced leaps and bounds in the past few decades, transforming some cancers into chronic diseases and, in some cases, providing functional cures. Why, then, is there a need for continued research when the field has seen so much success?

• Cancer is complex: Some cancers have resisted scientific progress due to their innate biology, including diverse cell populations and complex genetic underpinnings. This heterogeneity makes it difficult to fully understand the tumor and its microenvironment — and, in turn, how best to treat it.
  
  
• Cancer cells are highly adaptable: Certain cancer cells can mutate over time, allowing them to evade the immune system and resist existing therapies. In these cases, neither the body’s defenses nor current treatments are enough to eliminate the disease, underscoring the need for innovative approaches.

With advanced technologies, researchers are starting to answer complicated questions that were once considered impossible to solve. But in some ways, progress in cancer research is two steps forward and one step back, as these long-awaited answers often reveal new unanswered questions. Cancer remains one of the most complex, deadliest challenges of our time. It must be tackled from all angles, which requires expert scientists with access to world-class capabilities and technologies.

Motivated by the power of science, Bristol Myers Squibb has a history of taking big risks and setting the bar for breakthroughs higher, having been on the leading edge of cancer research and development for several decades as a pioneer in cell therapy, targeted protein degradation and immuno-oncology (I-O). BMS continues to pioneer cutting-edge science with new applications of these groundbreaking advancements and the pursuit of emerging platforms such as radiopharmaceutical therapies (RPTs).

A precision approach anchored in human biology

Our scientists search for transformative treatments using a differentiated research and development framework anchored in causal human biology. Understanding causal human biology in-depth means researchers understand the relationship between disease development and progression as well as a potential therapeutic target. With a precision approach, they can better identify and tailor therapies to both the underlying disease and the unique disease characteristics across different patient groups.

Applying causal human biology to cancer research and development means approaching this heterogeneous disease from the many angles that contribute to its growth and survival, including what is happening inside the cancer cells, at the cell surface and outside the cell in the tumor microenvironment.

• Inside the cell: Researchers are developing therapies that affect the pathways crucial to cancer cell survival. Examples of these approaches include small molecule therapies and protein degraders that target genetic changes that cause cancer to grow uncontrollably and traits and vulnerabilities unique to cancer cells.
  
  
• At the cell surface: Scientists are also advancing therapies that recognize and bind to proteins expressed on the surface of cancer cells. Examples of these approaches include antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), T cell engagers (TCEs), radiopharmaceutical therapies (RPTs) and CAR T cell therapies, which deliver precise attacks on cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.
  
  
• Outside the cell: Experts are developing new therapies that affect the protective environment surrounding cancer that allows it to survive, known as the tumor microenvironment (TME). With deep biological knowledge, researchers aim to weaken the support for cancer cells and improve the response of the body’s own immune system. Examples of these approaches include next-generation checkpoint inhibitors and ADCs delivering payloads that can influence the TME.

The role of artificial intelligence in decoding human data

The pace and depth of understanding these biological drivers in cancer research has been radically changed by machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI). Scientists are embracing these new tools to complement human curiosity and increase probabilities of success. With immense computational power at their fingertips, they are accelerating previously difficult and time-consuming tasks, such as the analysis of deep patient datasets and discovery of complex data patterns. This is generating insights that enable bold science and best-in-class medicines.  

A broad toolbox: matching modality to mechanism

Bristol Myers Squibb has a broad toolbox of research platforms and modalities, enabling researchers to select — and in some cases combine — the most appropriate treatment approaches based on a deep understanding of the biological mechanisms of disease.  

Our differentiated research platforms include:

• Targeted protein degradation (TPD)
• Cell therapy
• Radiopharmaceutical therapies (RPTs).

These platforms are supplemented by additional diverse modalities including antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), checkpoint inhibitors (I-O), immune cell engagers (ICEs), small molecule modulators and targeted therapies.  

But it's not only about having the right tools. A long-standing scientific expertise in target modulation (altering biological pathways to achieve a therapeutic effect) enables R&D teams at Bristol Myers Squibb to intentionally match modality to molecular mechanism of action and build novel drug combinations, based on the biology of the disease and target, to get the best possible results for patients. Researchers are intentionally selecting the most appropriate approach or combination for each patient to deliver a transformational therapeutic benefit.

Fast-tracking breakthrough therapies for patients

At each stage of R&D, from the lab to the clinic, both speed and the likelihood of success are critical knowing that patients are waiting. Every step of the research process at Bristol Myers Squibb is designed with future development stages in mind, creating a clear path to delivering paradigm-shifting medicines. Employing targeted patient selection and incorporating translational endpoints enhances the probability of clinical success. For instance, if preclinical research shows that a certain genetic mutation is associated with better response to a therapy, scientists design clinical trials to enroll patients with that mutation and select endpoints that measure the therapy’s effectiveness in those individuals.  Safety remains a top priority, with rigorous testing conducted throughout development to minimize risks and protect patients.

Redefining the future of cancer research

Though there have been great successes in cancer research, there is still much more to do. Bristol Myers Squibb is taking a comprehensive approach by leveraging the strength of our research teams, capabilities and diverse portfolio, all grounded in causal human biology, to solve complex scientific challenges and deliver transformational medicines to patients faster. This work is complemented by early and frequent collaboration with external experts, whose perspectives help drive practice-changing innovation in cancer research. Evolution is in our DNA, and we are continuously innovating to lead the way in cancer research. By actively engaging patients and considering their perspectives, we design trials that better reflect their needs and preferences, resulting in more effective and patient-centered treatments.