Opdivo (Nivolumab) vs Zynyz (retifanlimab-dlwr)

Opdivo (Nivolumab) vs Zynyz (retifanlimab-dlwr)

Opdivo (nivolumab) and Zynlonta (loncastuximab tesirine-lpyl, not Zynyz) are both immunotherapy drugs, but they target different mechanisms within the immune system to fight cancer. Opdivo is a PD-1 inhibitor used in various types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer, and kidney cancer, and works by blocking a pathway that restricts the immune system from attacking cancer cells. Zynlonta, on the other hand, is an antibody-drug conjugate that targets CD19, a protein expressed on the surface of certain B-cell lymphomas, and is used specifically for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma after two or more lines of systemic therapy. For someone deciding on which medicine is right for them, it is crucial to consider the specific type of cancer they have, as well as their overall health, previous treatments, and the specific indications and approval status of each drug. Consulting with a healthcare provider who can evaluate the individual's unique medical condition and history is essential for making an informed decision between these two treatments.

Difference between Opdivo and Zynyz

Metric Opdivo (Nivolumab) Zynyz (retifanlimab-dlwr)
Generic name Nivolumab Retifanlimab-dlwr
Indications Various types of cancers including melanoma, lung cancer, and more Advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCAC) for patients who have progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy
Mechanism of action PD-1 inhibitor that enhances T-cell function against cancer cells PD-1 inhibitor that enhances T-cell function against cancer cells
Brand names Opdivo Zynyz
Administrative route IV infusion IV infusion
Side effects Fatigue, rash, musculoskeletal pain, pruritus, diarrhea, nausea, etc. Fatigue, rash, diarrhea, musculoskeletal pain, abdominal pain, constipation, decreased appetite, etc.
Contraindications Severe hypersensitivity to nivolumab or any of its excipients Severe hypersensitivity to retifanlimab or any of its excipients
Drug class Immune checkpoint inhibitor Immune checkpoint inhibitor
Manufacturer Bristol Myers Squibb Incysus Therapeutics, Inc.

Efficacy

Opdivo (Nivolumab) Efficacy in Skin Cancer

Opdivo, known generically as Nivolumab, is a medication that has shown significant efficacy in the treatment of skin cancer, particularly malignant melanoma. As an immune checkpoint inhibitor, it works by blocking the PD-1 protein on the surface of T-cells, allowing the immune system to better detect and destroy cancer cells. In clinical trials, Nivolumab has demonstrated an ability to improve overall survival rates in patients with advanced melanoma. The CheckMate-067 trial, a pivotal study, showed that Nivolumab, alone or in combination with another immunotherapy drug, ipilimumab, significantly increased progression-free survival compared to ipilimumab alone.

Patients treated with Opdivo have also experienced durable responses, meaning that the effects of the treatment are long-lasting. This is particularly valuable in the context of advanced melanoma, where other treatments may not offer sustained benefits. The extension of survival times and improvement in the quality of life for patients with advanced skin cancers represents a significant advancement in the management of this disease.

Zynyz (Retifanlimab-dlwr) Efficacy in Skin Cancer

Zynyz, with the generic name retifanlimab-dlwr, is a lesser-known medication in the field of skin cancer treatment. It is an investigational anti-PD-1 antibody, similar in mechanism to Nivolumab, designed to help the immune system recognize and fight cancer cells. While there is ongoing research regarding its efficacy, the available data on retifanlimab-dlwr is not as extensive as that for Nivolumab. It is important to note that as of the knowledge cutoff in 2023, retifanlimab-dlwr may not have been approved for the treatment of skin cancer, and its efficacy and safety profile are still being evaluated in clinical trials.

For patients with skin cancer, the development of new treatments like Zynyz offers hope for more options and potentially improved outcomes. However, until more data is available from clinical trials, healthcare providers typically rely on established treatments with proven efficacy, such as Opdivo, especially for conditions like malignant melanoma where the disease can progress rapidly and requires prompt and effective treatment.

Regulatory Agency Approvals

Opdivo
  • European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
  • Health Canada
  • Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), Japan
  • Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia
  • Medsafe (NZ)
Zynyz
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA

Access Opdivo or Zynyz today

If Opdivo or Zynyz are not approved or available in your country (e.g. due to supply issues), you can access them via Everyone.org.

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