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Opdivo (nivolumab)

Bristol-Myers Squibb · FDA-approved approved Monoclonal antibody Verified Quality 79/100

Opdivo works by blocking the PD-1 receptor on immune cells, allowing them to attack cancer cells.

Opdivo (nivolumab) is a programmed death receptor-1 blocking antibody developed by Bristol Myers Squibb. It targets the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) to inhibit cancer cell growth. Opdivo is approved for various cancer indications, including melanoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, and renal cell carcinoma. The drug has a half-life of 25 days and is patented by Bristol Myers Squibb. Key safety considerations include immune-mediated adverse reactions and infusion-related reactions.

At a glance

Generic namenivolumab
SponsorBristol-Myers Squibb
Drug classProgrammed Death Receptor-1 Blocking Antibody [EPC]
TargetProgrammed cell death protein 1
ModalityMonoclonal antibody
Therapeutic areaOncology
PhaseFDA-approved
First approval2014
Annual revenue9200

Mechanism of action

Binding of the PD-1 ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, to the PD-1 receptor found on cells, inhibits T-cell proliferation and cytokine production. Upregulation of PD-1 ligands occurs in some tumors and signaling through this pathway can contribute to inhibition of active T-cell immune surveillance of tumors. Nivolumab is human immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) monoclonal antibody that binds to the PD-1 receptor and blocks its interaction with PD-L1 and PD-L2, releasing PD-1 pathway-mediated inhibition of the immune response, including the anti-tumor immune response. In syngeneic mouse tumor models, blocking PD-1 activity resulted in decreased tumor growth.Combined nivolumab (anti-PD-1) and ipilimumab (anti-CTLA-4) mediated inhibition results in enhanced T-cell function that is greater than the effects of either antibody alone, and results in improved anti-tumor responses in metastatic melanoma and advanced RCC. In murine syngeneic tumor models, dual blockade of PD-1 and CTLA-4

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

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SourceUsed for
FDA labelMechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results
SEC EDGARRevenue + earnings

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