Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

Yervoy (ipilimumab)

Yervoy blocks a protein called CTLA-4, which normally helps to turn off the immune system, allowing it to attack cancer cells.

Yervoy (ipilimumab) is a CTLA-4-directed blocking antibody developed by Bristol Myers Squibb, used to treat various types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. It works by blocking a protein that inhibits the immune system, allowing the body's natural defenses to attack cancer cells. Yervoy is a patented medication with a half-life of 15.4 days and has been FDA-approved since 2011. Key safety considerations include immune-mediated adverse reactions, such as skin rash and colitis. Bristol Myers Squibb remains the current owner of Yervoy.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

CTLA-4 is negative regulator of T-cell activity. Ipilimumab is monoclonal antibody that binds to CTLA-4 and blocks the interaction of CTLA-4 with its ligands, CD80/CD86. Blockade of CTLA-4 has been shown to augment T-cell activation and proliferation, including the activation and proliferation of tumor infiltrating T-effector cells. Inhibition of CTLA-4 signaling can also reduce T-regulatory cell function, which may contribute to general increase in cell responsiveness, including the anti-tumor immune response.

Approved indications

• High grade squamous intraepithelial neoplasia of esophagus
• Metastatic malignant melanoma
• Metastatic nonsmall cell lung cancer with no sensitising EGFR mutation or ALK translocation
• Microsatellite instability-high colorectal cancer
• Renal cell carcinoma
• Unresectable advanced or recurrent esophageal cancer
• Unresectable advanced or recurrent malignant pleural mesothelioma

Common side effects

• Fatigue
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Rash
• Decreased appetite
• Colitis
• Pruritus
• Pyrexia
• Vomiting
• Dyspnea
• Headache

Key clinical trials

• An Investigational Immuno-therapy Trial of Nivolumab, or Nivolumab Plus Ipilimumab, or Nivolumab Plus Platinum-doublet Chemotherapy, Compared to Platinum Doublet Chemotherapy in Patients With Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) (PHASE3)
• Phase 3 Study of Nivolumab or Nivolumab Plus Ipilimumab Versus Ipilimumab Alone in Previously Untreated Advanced Melanoma (CheckMate 067) (PHASE3)
• Nivolumab Combined With Ipilimumab Versus Sunitinib in Previously Untreated Advanced or Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma (CheckMate 214) (PHASE3)
• An Immuno-therapy Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness, Safety and Tolerability of Nivolumab or Nivolumab in Combination With Other Agents in Patients With Advanced Liver Cancer (PHASE1,PHASE2)
• Efficacy Study of Ipilimumab Versus Placebo to Prevent Recurrence After Complete Resection of High Risk Stage III Melanoma (PHASE3)
• A Study of Nivolumab and Ipilimumab Combined With Chemotherapy Compared to Chemotherapy Alone in First Line NSCLC (PHASE3)
• Study of Nivolumab Combined With Ipilimumab Versus Pemetrexed and Cisplatin or Carboplatin as First Line Therapy in Unresectable Pleural Mesothelioma Patients (PHASE3)
• A Study of Nivolumab Alone or Nivolumab Combination Therapy in Colon Cancer That Has Come Back or Has Spread (PHASE2)

Primary sources

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