Opdivo (Nivolumab) vs Darvias (darinaparsin) ()

Opdivo (nivolumab) is an immunotherapy drug that works by blocking the PD-1 pathway, which cancer cells can use to hide from the immune system, and is primarily used to treat various types of cancers including melanoma, lung cancer, and kidney cancer. Darzalex (daratumumab), not Darvias (darinaparsin), is a monoclonal antibody that targets CD38, a protein highly expressed on the surface of multiple myeloma cells, leading to their destruction, and is used in the treatment of multiple myeloma. When deciding between these two medications, it is essential to consider the type of cancer being treated, as Opdivo is not indicated for multiple myeloma, while Darzalex is specifically approved for this condition and would not be appropriate for the cancers Opdivo targets.

Difference between Opdivo and Darvias (darinaparsin)

Metric	Opdivo (Nivolumab)	Darvias (darinaparsin)
Generic name	Nivolumab	Darinaparsin
Indications	Various types of cancers including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, and others	Currently being investigated for the treatment of various cancers, including hematologic malignancies and solid tumors
Mechanism of action	PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor that enables the immune system to better detect and attack cancer cells	Organic arsenic compound that induces apoptosis and disrupts mitochondrial function in cancer cells
Brand names	Opdivo	Darvias
Administrative route	Intravenous injection	Investigational, primarily studied as an intravenous formulation
Side effects	Fatigue, rash, musculoskeletal pain, pruritus, diarrhea, nausea, and others	Not fully characterized due to investigational status, but may include gastrointestinal disturbances, fatigue, and hematologic abnormalities
Contraindications	Known hypersensitivity to nivolumab or any of its excipients	Not fully established due to investigational status
Drug class	Immune checkpoint inhibitor	Organic arsenical
Manufacturer	Bristol Myers Squibb	ZIOPHARM Oncology

Efficacy

Overview of Opdivo (Nivolumab) in Lymphoma Treatment

Opdivo (Nivolumab) is a programmed death-1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint inhibitor that has shown efficacy in the treatment of several types of cancer, including lymphoma. Specifically, Nivolumab has been evaluated in patients with classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL) after failure of autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) or after at least two prior therapies in patients who are not ASCT candidates. The drug works by blocking the PD-1 pathway, thereby enhancing T-cell function against cancer cells. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Nivolumab can induce durable responses with an acceptable safety profile in relapsed or refractory cHL.

Efficacy of Opdivo in Clinical Trials

Clinical trials such as the CheckMate 205 and CheckMate 039 have investigated the efficacy of Nivolumab in lymphoma patients. Results have shown significant response rates, with a portion of patients achieving complete remission. The median duration of response has also been noteworthy, suggesting sustained benefits for those who respond to treatment. However, the efficacy can vary based on prior treatments and the specific characteristics of the lymphoma subtype.

Darzalex (Daratumumab) in Lymphoma Treatment

Darzalex (Daratumumab) is a CD38-directed cytolytic antibody indicated for the treatment of multiple myeloma, which is a type of cancer that originates in plasma cells, a kind of white blood cell that can be related to lymphoma. While Darzalex is not specifically approved for the treatment of lymphoma, its mechanism of action, targeting CD38, suggests potential utility in certain lymphoma subtypes where CD38 is expressed. Off-label use in lymphoma may be considered based on the specific case and scientific rationale, but it is important to note that the majority of the efficacy data for Daratumumab pertains to multiple myeloma.

Considerations for Off-Label Use

While the use of Darzalex in lymphoma may be contemplated on an off-label basis, it is crucial to consider the lack of extensive clinical trial data supporting its use in this context. Physicians may consider this option in cases where standard treatments have failed, and the lymphoma cells express CD38. However, such use should be approached with caution, and it is advised to be conducted within the framework of a clinical trial or a comprehensive treatment plan that includes close monitoring for efficacy and safety.

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)

Darvias (darinaparsin)

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), Japan

Access Opdivo or Darvias (darinaparsin) today

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

Buy Opdivo

Buy Darvias (darinaparsin)

How it works

Make an enquiry

Choose the medicine you want to buy, answer a couple of questions, and upload your prescription to speed things up. We’ll get back to you within 24 hours.

Breeze through the paperwork

We'll guide you through the required documents for importing unapproved medicine, ensuring you have all the necessary information.

Get a personalized quote

We’ll prepare a quote for you, including medicine costs and any shipping, administrative, or import fees that may apply.

Receive your medicine

Accept the quote and we’ll handle the rest - sourcing and safely delivering your medicine.

Some text on this page has been automatically generated. Speak to your physician before you start a new treatment or medication.

Let's talk

If you have any questions, call us or send us a message through WhatsApp or email: