Opdivo (Nivolumab) vs Rylaze (asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi (recombinant)-rywn)

Opdivo (Nivolumab) vs Rylaze (asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi (recombinant)-rywn)

Opdivo (nivolumab) and Rylaze (asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi (recombinant)-rywn) are used to treat different types of cancer and have distinct mechanisms of action. Opdivo is a PD-1 blocking antibody designed to enable the immune system to fight cancer cells, and it is commonly used in the treatment of various cancers such as melanoma, lung cancer, and kidney cancer. Rylaze, on the other hand, is an asparagine-specific enzyme used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) to deplete the amino acid asparagine, which is essential for the growth of leukemia cells, and is specifically used when patients have hypersensitivity to E. coli-derived asparaginase. The choice between these medications would depend on the type of cancer a patient has and the specific medical advice from their healthcare provider.

Difference between Opdivo and Rylaze

Metric Opdivo (Nivolumab) Rylaze (asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi (recombinant)-rywn)
Generic name Nivolumab Asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi (recombinant)-rywn
Indications Used for the treatment of certain types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, head and neck cancer, urothelial carcinoma, colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and esophageal cancer. Used as a component of a multi-agent chemotherapeutic regimen for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in patients who have developed hypersensitivity to E. coli-derived asparaginase.
Mechanism of action Programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) blocking antibody that enhances the immune system's ability to fight cancer. Hydrolyzes asparagine to aspartic acid and ammonia, which depletes the level of asparagine in the blood, inhibiting the growth of asparagine-dependent cancer cells.
Brand names Opdivo Rylaze
Administrative route Intravenous infusion Intramuscular injection
Side effects Fatigue, rash, musculoskeletal pain, pruritus, diarrhea, nausea, weakness, upper respiratory tract infection, cough, dyspnea, constipation, vomiting, decreased appetite, and pyrexia, among others. Allergic reactions, pancreatitis, thrombosis, hemorrhage, hepatotoxicity, hyperglycemia, and elevated bilirubin levels, among others.
Contraindications Patients with a history of severe hypersensitivity reaction to nivolumab or any of its excipients. Patients with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions to asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi or any of the excipients.
Drug class Immune checkpoint inhibitor Enzyme replacement therapy
Manufacturer Bristol Myers Squibb Jazz Pharmaceuticals

Efficacy

Efficacy of Opdivo (Nivolumab) in Treating Lymphoma

Opdivo (Nivolumab) is a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) blocking antibody used in cancer immunotherapy. It has shown efficacy in treating certain types of lymphoma, particularly classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL). In clinical trials, Nivolumab has demonstrated significant response rates in patients with relapsed or refractory cHL after autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) and post-transplantation brentuximab vedotin, a condition for which there are limited treatment options. The drug's mechanism of action involves the reactivation of T cells, which can then target and eliminate cancer cells. The efficacy of Opdivo for this indication is supported by the overall response rate and duration of response observed in clinical studies, making it a valuable treatment option for patients with this challenging form of lymphoma.

Efficacy of Opdivo (Nivolumab) in Other Lymphoma Subtypes

While the use of Opdivo has been most extensively studied in classical Hodgkin Lymphoma, its efficacy in other lymphoma subtypes is also being investigated. Studies are ongoing to evaluate the potential benefits of Nivolumab in non-Hodgkin lymphomas, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and follicular lymphoma, among others. The outcomes of these studies are eagerly awaited to determine the broader applicability of Nivolumab in the treatment of various lymphoma subtypes beyond cHL.

Efficacy of Rylaze in Treating Lymphoma

Rylaze (asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi (recombinant)-rywn) is an asparagine-specific enzyme indicated as a component of a multi-agent chemotherapeutic regimen for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL). Its efficacy in lymphoma is specific to LBL, a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Rylaze works by depleting the amino acid asparagine, which is essential for the growth of lymphoblasts. By depriving the cancer cells of asparagine, Rylaze can inhibit their growth and induce cell death. Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of Rylaze in maintaining therapeutic levels of asparaginase activity, which is crucial for the treatment of LBL, especially in patients who have developed hypersensitivity to E. coli-derived asparaginase.

Considerations for the Use of Rylaze in Lymphoma

It is important to note that Rylaze is specifically approved for use in patients with ALL and LBL. Its use in other types of lymphoma has not been established and is not recommended. The efficacy of Rylaze in LBL is well-supported by clinical trials, but its role in the broader context of lymphoma treatment remains focused on the specific indication for which it has been approved. Healthcare providers should follow the latest clinical guidelines and evidence when considering the use of Rylaze for lymphoma patients.

Regulatory Agency Approvals

Opdivo
  • European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
  • Health Canada
  • Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), Japan
  • Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia
  • Medsafe (NZ)
Rylaze
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA

Access Opdivo or Rylaze today

If Opdivo or Rylaze are not approved or available in your country (e.g. due to supply issues), you can access them via Everyone.org.

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