Yervoy, also known as ipilimumab, is a type of immunotherapy drug used to treat certain types of cancer. It works by boosting the body's natural defenses to fight cancer cells. Specifically, Yervoy is a monoclonal antibody that blocks a specific protein, CTLA-4, which can suppress the immune system's response to cancer. By blocking CTLA-4, Yervoy allows the immune system to better recognize and attack cancer cells.

Where Yervoy really shines, however, is in its ability to boost the cancer-fighting ability of other drugs. This is known as synergy, where the combination of two or more drugs produces a greater effect than the sum of their individual effects. In the case of Yervoy, this synergy has been observed when it is combined with other immunotherapy drugs, such as nivolumab and pembrolizumab.

According to DrugPatentWatch.com, Yervoy is approved for the treatment of melanoma, a type of skin cancer, and is also being studied in clinical trials for the treatment of other types of cancer, such as lung, kidney, and prostate cancer. The website also notes that Yervoy is a blockbuster drug, with global sales exceeding $1 billion in 2019.

One example of Yervoy's synergy with other drugs can be seen in its combination with nivolumab, another immunotherapy drug. In a clinical trial of patients with advanced melanoma, the combination of Yervoy and nivolumab resulted in a significantly higher response rate and longer progression-free survival compared to either drug alone.

The exact mechanism by which Yervoy boosts the cancer-fighting ability of other drugs is not fully understood. However, it is believed to be related to its ability to enhance the immune response and increase the number of activated T cells, which are key players in the body's immune system.

In conclusion, Yervoy is a powerful immunotherapy drug that can boost the cancer-fighting ability of other drugs. Its ability to enhance the immune response and increase the number of activated T cells makes it an ideal candidate for combination therapy with other immunotherapy drugs. The synergy between Yervoy and other drugs has been observed in clinical trials, resulting in higher response rates and longer progression-free survival.

Sources:

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Ipilimumab (Yervoy). Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/ipilimumab>
2. Robert, C., Schachter, J., Long, G. V., Arance, A., Gryaznov, S., Mortier, L., ... & Hamid, O. (2015). Nivolumab plus ipilimumab versus ipilimumab alone in advanced melanoma. New England Journal of Medicine, 372(23), 2275-2286.