Expensive Opdivo × 10-Yen Drug Boosts Treatment Efficacy
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This article is a summary of international medical information and is not medical advice; it cannot replace the diagnosis or treatment plan of your attending physician. The medical technologies, drug information and clinical data presented here are compiled from public literature and official statements of major Japanese medical institutions; the applicability and outcome of any therapy vary with each patient and must be assessed individually by a qualified physician.
This information is sourced from a Yahoo News article published by Mainichi Broadcasting System (MBS) on January 17. The headline reads: "Expensive Opdivo × 1 Tablet of a 10-Yen Drug Boosts Treatment Efficacy."
The translated news content is as follows:
The drug "Opdivo," which has attracted attention for its potential to bankrupt Japan's healthcare system due to its cost of approximately 35 million yen per patient per year, has been shown by a Kyoto University research team to have enhanced efficacy when combined with just a 10-yen tablet, potentially reducing the required drug expenditure.
At a press conference held at Kyoto University, the announcement was made by Professor Emeritus Tasuku Honjo (age 74), the discoverer of Opdivo and a candidate for the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
"This may be able to solve the biggest problem with immunotherapy thus far." — Professor Emeritus Tasuku Honjo, Kyoto University
Opdivo is a novel cancer drug that removes the "brakes" on immune cells and boosts their attacking power, showing particularly high efficacy against lung cancer and other cancers. However, it faces the challenge that many patients do not respond — estimates suggest an efficacy rate of only about 20-30%. Professor Honjo's team conducted mouse experiments combining Opdivo with another drug, achieving enhanced efficacy.
The tablet in question is called Bezafibrate, and it has the effect of boosting the attacking power of immune cells.
"Even patients who previously showed no response may now benefit, and it could reduce the number of non-responders." — Associate Professor Kenji Chamoto, Kyoto University
Opdivo's price was scheduled to be reduced the following month, but a single vial still costs 360,000 yen. Compared to Bezafibrate at just 10 yen per tablet, if its efficacy is confirmed, it is hoped that the required amount of Opdivo could be reduced, thereby lessening the financial burden of medication costs. Professor Honjo planned to conduct clinical trials in the following fiscal year.
Source: http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20170117-00000054-mbsnews-bus_all (Mainichi Broadcasting System, January 17)
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