Prix Galien USA 2015 Awards for Best Biotechnology Product(s) Go To. . . BMS And Merck

As no small measure of additional proof -- that both of these remarkable life saving cancer meds will be with us for the long haul -- and both represent breakthroughs of significant scientific moment -- this morning, the Prix Galien USA 2015 Award for Best Biotechnology Product(s) were awarded to. . . both Merck and Bristol-Myers Squibb. [Each received this quite-prestigious award -- for slightly differing indications.]

Here is the Bristol-Myers Squibb release -- and here is the Kenilworth version. A bit then, from each follows:

. . . .[BMS] today announced that it received the Prix Galien USA 2015 Award for Best Biotechnology Product for Opdivo^® (nivolumab), the Company’s PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor. Bristol-Myers Squibb was recognized for its innovative discovery and development of Opdivo in approved indications for previously treated metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and in unresectable or metastatic melanoma. . . .

[Merck] today announced that Keytruda^® (pembrolizumab), the company’s anti-PD-1 therapy for the treatment of advanced melanoma and metastatic non-small cell lung cancer in patients whose disease has progressed after other therapies, received the Prix Galien USA 2015 Award for Best Biotechnology Product.

"As a company built on a foundation of scientific excellence, Merck is honored to again have been chosen as a recipient of this prestigious award," said Dr. Roger M. Perlmutter, president, Merck Research Laboratories. "This achievement is a testament to the remarkable contributions of everyone at Merck, as well as the many physicians and patients who participated in our clinical trials, in helping to bring KEYTRUDA to patients". . . .

So. . . Kudos, all around! Onward, and keep it spinning in life affirming good karma, one and all! Namaste!