The Emergence Of IO

The approval of first-generation checkpoint inhibitors, Merck’s Keytruda and Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Opdivo in the second half of 2014, catalyzed a wave of deal-making, not only around other checkpoint inhibitors, but also for molecules and technologies that could offer synergistic benefits when used in combination with these drugs. 

The underlying rationale of immuno-oncology (IO) therapeutic approaches is to take the brakes off the immune system or boost its ability to detect and destroy tumor cells. The approval of first-generation checkpoint inhibitors, Merck & Co. Inc.'s Keytruda (pembrolizumab) and Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.’s Opdivo (nivolumab) in the second half of 2014, catalyzed a wave of deal-making, not only around other checkpoint inhibitors, but also for molecules and technologies that could offer synergistic benefits when used in combination with these drugs. These two checkpoint inhibitors alone generated a combined $12 billion in sales this year. This has translated into a patenting frenzy as players seek to stake their claim in this wide commercial landscape and has resulted in large pharma and biotech stumbling over each other to acquire or partner with companies developing IO assets.

Late-comers who were behind the curve in identifying novel drug candidates to augment their pipelines, are now paying top dollar,...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on In Vivo for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from Market Intelligence

The Goldilocks Isotope: Perspective Therapeutics’ ‘Just Right’ Alpha Radiotherapeutic

 
• By 

Thijs Spoor's bet on lead-212 is paying off as Perspective Therapeutics advances three clinical programs with promising early efficacy signals and a comprehensive manufacturing strategy.

Pharma’s Dance With Trump Risks Distracting From Longer-Term Threats

 
• By 

Industry is trying to side-step President Trump’s tariff- and price-curbing policy proposals. It may do better facing up to enduring R&D productivity and drug affordability challenges.

Tackling Fraud In The UK: Pharma, Are You Ready?

 
• By 

UK pharma faces a critical turning point as the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act introduces the "Failure to Prevent Fraud" offense in September 2025, requiring companies to transform their approach to fraud prevention or face severe consequences.

Finding The Fire: AltruBio’s Novel Approach To Autoimmune Disease

 
• By 

CEO Judy Chou brings big pharma experience to tackle chronic inflammation with the company's first-in-class PSGL-1 targeting therapy.

More from In Vivo

Crisis Or Opportunity? US MFN Policy Could Test Japan’s Appetite For Reforms

 
• By 

While the adoption of most favored nation drug pricing in the US stands to affect Japanese biopharma firms now heavily reliant on this market, it might also present an opportunity for pricing and policy reforms at home.

Rising Leaders 2025: Ovid’s Meg Alexander On Neurology’s Next Frontier

 
• By 

Ovid Therapeutics' president and COO Meg Alexander is leading the company’s strategic pivot toward innovative neurological treatments, potentially creating a new class of medicines for rare neurological disorders.

The Goldilocks Isotope: Perspective Therapeutics’ ‘Just Right’ Alpha Radiotherapeutic

 
• By 

Thijs Spoor's bet on lead-212 is paying off as Perspective Therapeutics advances three clinical programs with promising early efficacy signals and a comprehensive manufacturing strategy.