Context
- Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) recently launched RELOPDUO, a fixed-dose combination of Nivolumab and Relatlimab, in India after receiving approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
- It is India’s first LAG-3-based dual immunotherapy for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma in patients aged 12 years and above.
What is Immunotherapy?
- Immunotherapy is a cancer treatment that boosts the body’s immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, it helps immune cells fight cancer rather than directly killing cancer cells.
What is Dual Immunotherapy?
- Dual immunotherapy combines two immune checkpoint inhibitors to enhance the anti-cancer immune response, enabling T-cells to attack cancer cells more effectively than a single checkpoint inhibitor.
About LAG-3?
- LAG-3 (Lymphocyte Activation Gene-3) is an immune checkpoint receptor present on activated T-lymphocytes (T-cells).
- It normally functions as a natural brake that prevents excessive immune responses.
- Many cancer cells exploit the LAG-3 pathway to suppress T-cell activity and escape immune destruction.
- Blocking LAG-3 restores the ability of T-cells to attack tumour cells.
What is RELOPDUO?
- RELOPDUO is a fixed-dose combination immunotherapy developed by Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS).
- It combines:
- Relatlimab – a LAG-3 inhibitor
- Nivolumab – a PD-1 inhibitor
- Recently, it became India’s first LAG-3-based dual immunotherapy after receiving approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
- It is approved for treating unresectable or metastatic melanoma in patients aged 12 years and above.
- The therapy works by targeting two different immune checkpoints simultaneously.
| Important CTC from this Article for UPSC Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) LAG-3-based Dual Immunotherapy |
Q. With reference to LAG-3-based dual immunotherapy, consider the following statements:
1. LAG-3 is an immune checkpoint receptor present on T-lymphocytes.
2. Nivolumab acts by inhibiting the PD-1 immune checkpoint.
3. Relatlimab is a CTLA-4 inhibitor.
4. Melanoma arises from pigment-producing melanocytes.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1, 2 and 4 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: A. 1, 2 and 4 only
Explanation
• Statement 1 is correct: LAG-3 is an immune checkpoint receptor found on activated T-cells.
• Statement 2 is correct: Nivolumab is a PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: Relatlimab is a LAG-3 inhibitor, not a CTLA-4 inhibitor.
• Statement 4 is correct: Melanoma develops from melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells of the skin.