Nivolumab
Checkpoint InhibitorNivolumab is indicated for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma for patients who no longer respond to treatment with other drugs. It is intended for use in patients who have been previously treated with ipilimumab and is used for melanoma patients after treatment with ipilimumab and
Nivolumab is a human immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) monoclonal antibody that binds to the programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) receptor and selectively blocks interaction with its programmed death ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2. Upregulation of PD-1 ligands occurs in some tumors and signalling through this pathway can contribute to inhibition of active T-cell immune surveillance of tumour tissue. The inhibitory effect of PD-1 and its ligands occurs through the promotion of apoptosis in antigen specific T cells while simultaneously blocking apoptosis in suppressor T cells. Blocking PD-1 activity has been shown to lead to decreased tumour growth in mouse tumour models.