Bristol Myers Squibb Launches Relopduo in India
Bristol Myers Squibb Relopduo India has officially launched Relopduo™, introducing India’s first LAG-3-based dual immunotherapy for eligible patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. The therapy combines nivolumab and relatlimab in a fixed-dose combination (FDC), providing a new treatment option that targets two immune checkpoints simultaneously to improve anti-tumor immune response.
The launch represents an important advancement in India’s oncology landscape and expands access to innovative immunotherapy for advanced melanoma.
Quick Summary
Bristol Myers Squibb has launched Relopduo™ in India, the country’s first LAG-3 dual immunotherapy for advanced melanoma. Combining nivolumab and relatlimab, the therapy targets two immune checkpoints and demonstrated improved progression-free survival in the Phase 2/3 RELATIVITY-047 trial compared with nivolumab alone.
Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Company | Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) |
| Drug Name | Relopduo™ |
| Drug Type | Fixed-Dose Combination (FDC) |
| Components | Nivolumab + Relatlimab |
| Therapy Type | Dual Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor |
| Disease | Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma |
| Administration | Intravenous (IV) Infusion |
| Dosing Schedule | Once Every 4 Weeks |
| Launch | India |
What is Relopduo?
Relopduo is a fixed-dose combination immunotherapy containing:
- Nivolumab – PD-1 (Programmed Death-1) immune checkpoint inhibitor
- Relatlimab – LAG-3 (Lymphocyte Activation Gene-3) immune checkpoint inhibitor
Unlike single-agent immunotherapy, Relopduo blocks two immune checkpoints simultaneously, helping reactivate T-cells and improve the body’s immune response against melanoma.
Approved Indication in India
Relopduo has been approved for:
- Adult patients
- Pediatric patients aged 12 years and above
- Unresectable melanoma
- Metastatic melanoma
These patients have melanoma that cannot be surgically removed or has spread to other parts of the body.
How Does Relopduo Work?
Nivolumab (PD-1 Inhibitor)
- Blocks the PD-1 receptor on T-cells
- Prevents cancer cells from suppressing immune activity
- Enhances immune-mediated destruction of tumor cells
Relatlimab (LAG-3 Inhibitor)
- Blocks the LAG-3 immune checkpoint
- Restores exhausted T-cells
- Improves anti-tumor immune response
Dual Immunotherapy Advantage
By targeting both PD-1 and LAG-3, Relopduo provides dual immune checkpoint blockade that may improve treatment outcomes in eligible patients with advanced melanoma.
Clinical Trial Results
The approval is supported by the Phase 2/3 RELATIVITY-047 clinical trial.
Key Findings
| Parameter | Relopduo | Nivolumab Alone |
|---|---|---|
| Median Progression-Free Survival (PFS) | 10.1 Months | 4.6 Months |
Major Highlights
- Nearly doubled progression-free survival
- Improved disease control
- Manageable safety profile
- Safety consistent with known effects of both medicines
Administration
Relopduo is administered as:
- Intravenous (IV) infusion
- Once every 4 weeks
- Continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity
Price and Patient Access
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Approximate MRP | ₹2.9 Lakh per vial |
| Patient Access Program | Announced for eligible patients |
The company has also introduced a patient access program to improve treatment accessibility.
Why This Launch Matters
The launch of Relopduo is significant because it:
- Introduces India’s first LAG-3-targeted immunotherapy
- Provides dual immune checkpoint inhibition
- Offers a new treatment option for advanced melanoma
- Demonstrated improved progression-free survival in clinical trials
- Expands access to innovative cancer immunotherapy
Expert Perspective
According to Bristol Myers Squibb India, Relopduo introduces a scientifically differentiated dual immunotherapy strategy designed to improve treatment options for patients with advanced melanoma while supporting innovation in oncology care.
Key Highlights
- First LAG-3 dual immunotherapy launched in India
- Fixed-dose combination of nivolumab and relatlimab
- Approved for unresectable and metastatic melanoma
- Suitable for adults and eligible pediatric patients (12 years and above)
- IV infusion every four weeks
- Supported by Phase 2/3 RELATIVITY-047 trial
- Patient access program announced
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Relopduo?
Relopduo is a fixed-dose combination of nivolumab and relatlimab, designed to treat advanced melanoma through dual immune checkpoint inhibition.
2. Which company launched Relopduo in India?
Relopduo has been launched in India by Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS).
3. What type of cancer is Relopduo used for?
It is approved for unresectable or metastatic melanoma.
4. How is Relopduo administered?
It is administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion once every four weeks.
5. What makes Relopduo different from other immunotherapies?
Relopduo blocks both PD-1 and LAG-3 immune checkpoints, providing dual immune activation.
6. What clinical trial supports Relopduo?
The launch is supported by the Phase 2/3 RELATIVITY-047 trial.
7. What is the approximate price of Relopduo in India?
The reported MRP is approximately ₹2.9 lakh per vial.
8. Is there a patient access program?
Yes. Bristol Myers Squibb has announced a patient access program for eligible patients.
Conclusion
The launch of Relopduo™ by Bristol Myers Squibb marks an important advancement in India’s oncology treatment landscape. As the country’s first LAG-3-based dual immunotherapy, the combination of nivolumab and relatlimab offers a scientifically advanced treatment option for eligible patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. Supported by strong Phase 2/3 clinical evidence, Relopduo expands access to innovative immunotherapy and provides oncologists with another evidence-based option for managing advanced melanoma.
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