Brand Name: Opdivo
Generic Name: nivolumab

Medication Class: Humanized monoclonal antibody blocking the programmed human death receptor 1 (PD-1)
Similar Drugs: Keytruda (pembrolizumab)
Manufacturer: Bristol-Myers Squibb
Approval Date: December 2014

What is Opdivo and its mechanism of action?

Opdivo is a humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks the interaction between programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) and its ligands (PD-L1 and PD-L2). If you suppose a receptor is a lock, the ligands are the corresponding keys to the lock. Likewise, the PD-1 is a lock and the ligands are the keys that fit right into PD-1. When the ligands interact with PD-1 it sends a signal to cells to go through programmed cell death. In other words, the cell commits suicide.

PD-1s are present on immune cells called T cells. Normally T cells produce chemicals to attack any harmful substances in the body. However, when ligands interact with PD-1s on T cells the T cells shut down and die. Many cancer cells express the ligands (PD-L1) and send it to T cells to prevent  an immune response to cancer. Opdivo selectively binds to PD-1 and blocks the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands. Therefore, it allows the T cells to survive and fight off cancer.

Also Read: Keytruda (pembrolizumab) Side effects, Cost, Approval and Prescribing Information for Melanoma 

What is Opdivo used for treating?

Opdivo is indicated for patients with metastatic squamous and non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer with progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. 

It is also used for treating advanced stage melanoma (skin cancer) which:

• Cannot be removed with surgery (unresectable)

• Has spread to other parts of the body (metastasized)

• Have failed treatment with ipilimumab (another cancer treatment for melanoma)

• Showed positive for BRAF mutations (involved in abnormal cell growth)

• Have failed treatment with BRAF inhibitors

Next: Effectiveness, Facts