During the summer months, we conducted a survey among patients and caregivers to explore a new combination therapy for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma. Nivolumab (Opdivo),which many of you may recognize as an already approved treatment for melanoma, has been combined with a new therapy called Relatlimab (Opdualag). Relatlimab is a first-in-class human IgG4 LAG-3–blocking antibody that binds to LAG-3 and restores the effector function of exhausted T cells (the cells that help fight disease, including cancer). This combination has had positive results in treating unresectable and metastatic melanoma patients.
We provided a patient submission in support of the approval of this therapy to both CADTH and INESSS (in Quebec), after collecting significant responses. Final reviews and recommendations are expected to be available by the end of 2023or early January 2024. We hope for a positive recommendation that would provide patients with another effective treatment option.
