India Pharma Outlook Team | Monday, 27 July 2026
Relopduo has officially entered the Indian market. The launch marks another step in strengthening cancer care portfolio.
Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) introduced the therapy for adults and adolescents with unresectable or metastatic melanoma.
The move expands the company's oncology portfolio in India and improves access to advanced immunotherapy for eligible patients.
The launch comes as melanoma cases continue to rise worldwide. Although the disease is less common in India, experts believe early access to newer therapies can improve treatment outcomes. The approval also reflects BMS' continued focus on bringing global oncology innovations to the country.
Relopduo, marketed globally as Opdualag, combines nivolumab and relatlimab in a fixed-dose formulation. The therapy targets two immune checkpoints, PD-1 and LAG-3. This dual approach helps the immune system identify and attack cancer cells more effectively.
The treatment is approved for adults and adolescents aged 12 years or older. Patients must weigh at least 40 kilograms. It is intended for those with unresectable or metastatic advanced melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer that has spread or cannot be removed through surgery.
According to BMS, the therapy has already received approvals in several international markets. The company believes the Indian launch will improve treatment access for eligible patients while supporting oncologists with another evidence-based option.
"The introduction of Relopduo brings a scientifically differentiated dual immunotherapy to eligible patients, offering new hope to those living with unresectable or metastatic melanoma and reflects our continued commitment to advance differentiated treatment options to India," said Dr. Ankita Jain, Country Medical Director, Bristol Myers Squibb India.
The launch is supported by findings from the Phase III RELATIVITY-047 clinical trial. The study compared Relopduo with nivolumab alone in previously untreated patients.
Results showed that patients receiving the combination therapy experienced significantly longer progression-free survival. This means the disease remained under control for a longer period before worsening.
The trial also demonstrated a manageable safety profile. Researchers reported that the therapy maintained benefits across different patient groups included in the study.
BMS stated that the approval reflects growing confidence in combination immunotherapy for melanoma treatment. The company added that the therapy offers physicians another important option when selecting first-line treatment.
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BMS has continued expanding its presence in India's oncology sector. The company has introduced several innovative therapies across different cancer types in recent years.
With the launch of Relopduo, BMS aims to improve access to advanced treatment while supporting better patient care. The company also reaffirmed its commitment to bringing globally approved medicines to Indian patients.
Industry experts expect the launch to strengthen India's oncology treatment landscape. It also highlights the increasing availability of advanced immunotherapies in the country.
