Everything you need to know about Nivolumab

Muscat Daily

06-05-2025

The cancer beating jab approved by UK NHS
London, UK – A promising breakthrough in cancer treatment is grabbing attention. Nivolumab, known by its brand name Opdivo, has been approved for administration by UK NHS (National Health Services). This simple, under-the-skin injection takes just 3 to 5 minutes to administer, and helps fight 14 different cancers.
What is Nivolumab? Nivolumab is a type of immunotherapy – a class of treatment that harnesses the body's own immune system to fight cancer. It belongs to a group of drugs called checkpoint inhibitors, and it specifically targets a protein on T-cells called PD-1 (programmed death-1). Normally, some cancer cells produce signals that stop the immune system from attacking them. Nivolumab blocks these signals, allowing T-cells to stay active and attack the cancer.
What's new about the injection? Until recently, Nivolumab was given through an intravenous (IV) drip, taking up to an hour. Now, thanks to approval from the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), patients can receive the same drug as a quick 3–5 minute injection under the skin (subcutaneous).The switch to injection helps save time for both patients and hospitals. Additionally. It makes treatment more comfortable and convenient. The injection is expected to free up significant capacity across NHS cancer services.
Which cancers can it treat? This new injection is approved for 14 different types of cancer, including:• Lung cancer• Bowel (colorectal) cancer• Kidney cancer• Bladder cancer• Oesophageal cancer• Skin cancer (melanoma)• Head and neck cancers• Liver cancer• Stomach cancer
Is it effective? In a Phase 3 clinical trial, researchers compared the new injectable form with the traditional IV version. The results showed comparable drug levels in the body (pharmacokinetics) There was a similar safety profile and had equivalent tumour response ratesThis means the injection works just as well as the IV drip. It's not a new drug – just a new and faster way of giving it.
How many patients could benefit? Up to 15,000 patients a year across England could benefit from the injection version of Nivolumab, according to NHS England. About 1,200 new patients a month are expected to switch from IV to injection, with most new patients starting on the injectable option.
What about side effects? Like all cancer drugs, Nivolumab can cause side effects. These might include fatigue, skin rash, nausea, or inflammation in organs such as the lungs or liver. A full list is available in the Patient Information Leaflet on the MHRA website.
What experts are saying Prof Peter Johnson, NHS England's National Clinical Director for Cancer, says, 'Being able to offer Nivolumab as an injection in minutes makes the process far more convenient. It allows teams to treat even more patients and free up hospital capacity.'Naser Turabi of Cancer Research UK adds, 'Innovations like this are vital for treating cancer patients sooner and more efficiently. We're in a golden age of cancer research.'
The bottom line
Nivolumab isn't a cure-all, but it's a powerful tool in the cancer treatment arsenal – and with the new injection form, it's more accessible than ever. If you or a loved one is undergoing cancer treatment, it's worth asking your specialist whether this quicker option is available and appropriate.