Nivolumab

Why in News?

The Delhi High Court allowed Indian pharma company Zydus Lifesciences to manufacture and sell a 'biosimilar' version of a global drug, Nivolumab.

• Nivolumab is a monoclonal antibody drug which acts by enhancing the immune response to fight cancerous cells.

Monoclonal antibodies are lab-produced antibody molecules that can restore, enhance, modify or mimic our immune systems, used for targeted cellular action.

• Type - It is similar to another immunotherapy monoclonal drug called Pembrolizumab.
• Unlike chemotherapy, immunotherapy targets the cancer cells alone without affecting the healthy cells.
• Working - Nivolumab blocks the PD-1 receptor, restoring the immune system’s ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
• It can be prescribed in multiple scenarios, after primary treatment such as surgery; when the cancer has spread to other cells and organs; or when chemotherapy or radiotherapy is given before surgery to reduce the size of the tumors.
• Dosage - The most commonly used adult schedules of Nivolumab at present advises 240 mg every two weeks or 480 mg every 4 weeks.
• Applications - It is effective against a range of cancers like lung, renal, head and neck, melanoma, urothelial, oesophageal and gastric cancers.
• Nivolumab, sold under the brand name Opdivo outside India, and Opdyta in India, has seen significant commercial success.

Reference

The Indian Express | Nivolumab