In a historic move that’s set to transform cancer care, the NHS has become the first health service in the UK—and Europe—to offer a 5-minute ‘superjab’ to treat 15 types of cancer. The game-changing injection, known as nivolumab (Opdivo), will replace time-consuming intravenous therapy with a fast and effective subcutaneous shot—marking a major milestone in immunotherapy accessibility for British cancer patients.
What Is the ‘Superjab’?
The newly approved form of nivolumab is an immune checkpoint inhibitor that stimulates the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, which targets all rapidly dividing cells (including healthy ones), nivolumab activates T-cells, helping them identify and destroy tumors specifically.
How It Works
The jab works by blocking the PD-1 protein on T-cells, preventing cancer cells from ‘turning off’ the immune response. This allows the immune system to stay active and attack tumors effectively.
The innovation lies in its subcutaneous (under the skin) formulation—allowing the same medicine that once required 60-minute IV infusions to be administered in just five minutes.
Cancers Treated with the Jab
This powerful immunotherapy can now be used to treat 15 different cancers, including:
- Lung cancer
- Bowel (colorectal) cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Head and neck cancers
- Skin cancers (e.g., melanoma)
- Oesophageal cancer
The jab is expected to help thousands of patients annually across England, streamlining treatment while maintaining its life-extending potential.
NHS Leads Europe in Innovation
This rollout marks a UK-first, positioning the NHS as a leader in advanced cancer care. No other European nation has yet approved this fast-acting method of delivering nivolumab.
The NHS decision comes after extensive clinical trials and global regulatory approval, particularly by The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which fast-tracked the formulation’s acceptance.
Major Benefits for Patients
For those undergoing grueling cancer therapy, time matters. With traditional IV infusions lasting up to an hour, this five-minute jab offers:
- Quicker treatment sessions
- Less waiting time in hospital
- Reduced fatigue and discomfort
- Improved overall quality of life
Patients can spend more time with family, work, or at home—rather than in clinical environments.
Time and Resource Savings for NHS
The new jab also frees up vital NHS resources:
- Staff can administer more treatments per day
- Oncology wards become more efficient
- Fewer bottlenecks for cancer services
This could lead to shorter wait times and improved access to care for all oncology patients.
No Extra Cost to NHS
One of the most remarkable aspects of the rollout is the cost-neutral deal the NHS has reached with drug manufacturer Bristol Myers Squibb. Despite the convenience and innovation of the jab, there will be no additional cost to taxpayers or patients.
This financial efficiency will allow the NHS to reallocate resources to other areas, further enhancing care delivery.
Statements from NHS and Experts
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS England’s National Clinical Director for Cancer, stated:
“It’s a big step forward. The jab reduces treatment time significantly without compromising effectiveness. That means more patients treated, more efficiently.”
Doctors and cancer specialists across the country have echoed this praise, noting the logistical and emotional relief it provides for both staff and patients.
What This Means for the Future of Cancer Treatment
The rollout of nivolumab in its new form signals a broader shift in how we approach cancer care. Immunotherapy is no longer a specialized, resource-heavy procedure—it’s becoming mainstream, fast, and patient-friendly.
It’s expected that similar approaches for other immunotherapies and chronic diseases may follow.
Conclusion
The NHS’s implementation of this world-leading cancer ‘superjab’ represents a seismic shift in the delivery of care. Not only does it reflect cutting-edge medicine, but it also reaffirms the NHS’s commitment to accessible, efficient, and humane cancer treatment.
As thousands begin to receive this breakthrough jab in the coming weeks, the future of oncology in the UK looks not only brighter—but faster and more empowering than ever before.
FAQs
Q1: What is the new NHS ‘superjab’?
A: It’s a five-minute injection of nivolumab (Opdivo), an immunotherapy drug used to treat various cancers by boosting the immune system’s response.
Q2: What types of cancer does it treat?
A: 15 types, including lung, bowel, kidney, bladder, skin, oesophageal, and head and neck cancers.
Q3: Is the jab free for NHS patients?
A: Yes. It’s available at no extra cost under the NHS.
Q4: How does it compare to the old treatment?
A: It reduces the administration time from up to 60 minutes (IV drip) to just 5 minutes (injection).
Q5: When will it be available?
A: It is already rolling out across England, starting May 2025.
