BMS launches India's first dual immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma

Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) has launched RELOPDUO, India’s first dual immunotherapy for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma. The fixed-dose combination of nivolumab and relatlimab has been approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and is now available for use in the country.

The therapy is designed for adults and children aged 12 years and above, marking a significant advancement in cancer treatment. RELOPDUO combines two powerful immune checkpoint inhibitors: nivolumab, which targets PD-1, and relatlimab, which targets LAG-3. Together, they enhance the body’s immune response against melanoma, a type of skin cancer that can spread aggressively if not treated effectively.

The approval is based on findings from the Phase 2/3 RELATIVITY-047 trial, which demonstrated that the combination therapy significantly improved progression-free survival compared to nivolumab alone. This means patients receiving RELOPDUO experienced longer periods without their disease worsening, offering hope for better outcomes in managing advanced melanoma.

BMS emphasized the importance of this launch, calling it a milestone in immunotherapy treatment in India. By introducing the country’s first LAG-3-based dual immunotherapy, the company aims to provide a cutting-edge option for patients battling this challenging condition.

With melanoma cases rising globally, the availability of innovative treatments like RELOPDUO could play a crucial role in improving survival rates and quality of life for patients in India. The launch underscores the growing focus on advanced cancer therapies in the Indian healthcare landscape.