Is Nivolumab a targeted drug?

Nivolumab (Nivolumab) is a targeted immunotherapy drug called an immune checkpoint inhibitor (a type of immunotherapy). It is a monoclonal antibody that binds to the PD-1 protein on the surface of immune cells called T cells. It works by preventing cancer cells from suppressing the immune system, which allows the immune system to attack and kill cancer cells.

Immunotherapy, unlike traditional chemotherapy drugs, may take longer to work because once nivolumab starts helping the immune system find cancer cells, it takes time for the immune system to recognize and attack them. Nivolumab remains in a patient's system for a long time, up to 3 to 4 months (100 to 125 days). This is based on the half-life of nivolumab, which is 25 days. Half-life is the time it takes for half of a drug to be eliminated from the body, and it may take 4 to 5 half-lives for a drug to be completely eliminated from the body. For nivolumab, this equates to 100 to 125 days, meaning side effects from nivolumab can still occur months after a patient stops taking the drug.

The original drug nivolumab is currently on the market in China, but it has not yet been included in medical insurance. This drug is a strictly controlled drug, and its purchase channels are restricted. The price of each box of 40mg/4ml may be around 4,000 yuan. The Turkish version of the nivolumab generic drug listed overseas may cost more than RMB 2,000 per box of 40mg/4ml (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rates). Currently, there is no generic version of nivolumab available on the market. For more drug information and specific prices, please consult a medical consultant.