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Nivolumab in combination with Ipilimumab
Nivolumab and ipilimumab together block two different immune checkpoints (PD-1 and CTLA-4) to enhance anti-tumor immune responses.
Nivolumab and ipilimumab together block two different immune checkpoints (PD-1 and CTLA-4) to unleash T-cell activity against cancer cells. Used for Metastatic melanoma, Advanced renal cell carcinoma, Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.
At a glance
| Generic name | Nivolumab in combination with Ipilimumab |
|---|---|
| Also known as | BMS-936558 (Nivolumab), Opdivo (Nivolumab), BMS-734016 (Ipilimumab), Yervoy (Ipilimumab) |
| Sponsor | Bristol-Myers Squibb |
| Drug class | Checkpoint inhibitor combination (PD-1 inhibitor + CTLA-4 inhibitor) |
| Target | PD-1 and CTLA-4 |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Nivolumab is a PD-1 inhibitor that blocks the interaction between PD-1 on T cells and PD-L1/PD-L2 on tumor cells, preventing immune suppression. Ipilimumab is a CTLA-4 inhibitor that blocks the interaction between CTLA-4 and B7 molecules, further enhancing T-cell activation. Together, they provide dual checkpoint inhibition, resulting in more robust and durable anti-tumor immunity.
Approved indications
- Metastatic melanoma
- Advanced renal cell carcinoma
- Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer
- Malignant pleural mesothelioma
- Hepatocellular carcinoma
- Colorectal cancer (microsatellite instability-high or mismatch repair deficient)
Common side effects
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Rash
- Pruritus
- Immune-mediated hepatitis
- Immune-mediated colitis
- Immune-mediated pneumonitis
- Immune-mediated endocrinopathy
Key clinical trials
- Testing the Addition of an Anti-cancer Drug, Copanlisib, to the Usual Immunotherapy (Nivolumab With or Without Ipilimumab) in Patients With Advanced Solid Cancers That Have Changes in the Following Genes: PIK3CA and PTEN (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Cabozantinib S-malate and Nivolumab With or Without Ipilimumab in Treating Patients With Metastatic Genitourinary Tumors (PHASE1)
- Testing the Combination of ZEN003694 and Nivolumab With or Without Ipilimumab in Solid Tumors (PHASE1)
- Immunotherapy in Combination With Prednisone and Sirolimus for Kidney Transplant Recipients With Unresectable or Metastatic Skin Cancer (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Testing the Combination of Anetumab Ravtansine With Either Nivolumab, Nivolumab and Ipilimumab, or Gemcitabine and Nivolumab in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer (PHASE1)
- Canadian Profiling and Targeted Agent Utilization Trial (CAPTUR) (PHASE2)
- Testing the Combination of Copanlisib, Nivolumab and Ipilimumab in Patients With Advanced Cancer and Lymphoma (PHASE1)
- Nivolumab and Multi-fraction Stereotactic Radiosurgery With or Without Ipilimumab in Treating Patients With Recurrent Grade II-III Meningioma (PHASE1, PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
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