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ipilimumab

antibody
Also known as: Yervoy

Quick Summary

Ipilimumab is a type of drug known as an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI). ICIs work by enhancing the immune system's ability to fight cancer cells. They do this by blocking proteins called checkpoints, which normally prevent the immune system from overreacting and harming healthy cells.1

Ipilimumab was the first ICI approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2011, specifically for treating advanced melanoma. It is a monoclonal antibody that targets and blocks a protein called CTLA-4. CTLA-4 normally acts as a brake on T-cells, which are key immune cells. By blocking CTLA-4, ipilimumab releases this brake, allowing T-cells to more effectively attack cancer cells. This approach has been a significant advancement in cancer treatment.23451

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