Some key experimental drugs in late-stage testing by biopharmaceutical company Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.:
_ipilimumuab, for melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Data from a late-stage study could be presented at a major cancer meeting in June; the company will soon seek regulatory approval for use in patients previously treated for the cancer. The company also will start a late-stage study of the drug for non-small cell lung cancer.
_apixiban, for preventing life-threatening blood clots. Bristol-Myers will seek approval in Europe by June and may see U.S. approval by year-end. It's also testing the drug for preventing strokes.
_belatacept, for preventing rejection of a newly transplanted kidney. A panel of Food and Drug Administration advisers voted 13 to 5 on Monday to recommend approval, and the agency could rule by May 1. Approval also is pending in Europe.
_dapagliflozin, to control blood sugar and reduce weight and blood pressure in diabetics. The company may file for U.S. and European approval by year-end.
_brivanib, for liver cancer. It's in late-stage testing.
_necitumumab, for non-small cell lung cancer. In late testing; being developed jointly with Eli Lilly & Co.
_XL-184, for brain tumors and other cancers. It's also in late-stage testing.