Opdivo vs Calquence
A side-by-side look at two oncology medications advertised on TV. Informational only — not medical advice.
| US Opdivo | US Calquence | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | nivolumab | acalabrutinib |
| Drug class | PD-1 Inhibitor (Immunotherapy) | BTK Inhibitor |
| Treats | Multiple cancers | Chronic lymphocytic leukemia and mantle cell lymphoma |
| Category | Oncology | Oncology |
| Manufacturer | Bristol-Myers Squibb | AstraZeneca |
| Year approved | 2014 | 2017 |
| FDA warning | Moderate warnings | Moderate warnings |
| Est. TV ad spend | $150M | — |
| Common side effects | Immune-related side effects, Fatigue, Rash, Diarrhea | Headache, Diarrhea, Bruising and bleeding, Infections |
Frequently asked questions
Is Opdivo or Calquence better?
Neither is universally "better." Opdivo (nivolumab) and Calquence (acalabrutinib) are both used for oncology, but the right choice depends on your medical history, insurance and your doctor's guidance. This comparison is informational only.
What's the difference between Opdivo and Calquence?
Opdivo is a PD-1 Inhibitor (Immunotherapy) made by Bristol-Myers Squibb, while Calquence is a BTK Inhibitor made by AstraZeneca. See the table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
Which one spends more on TV ads?
Opdivo has the larger estimated TV advertising budget of the two.