Could a Gut-Focused drug revive immunotherapy for tough melanomas?

NCT ID NCT07631325

Not yet recruiting Disease control Sponsor: John Kirkwood Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 14, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tests whether adding axelopran, a drug that blocks opioid side effects in the gut, to the immunotherapy nivolumab can help people with advanced melanoma that no longer responds to PD-1 inhibitors. The trial includes about 28 adults with unresectable or metastatic cutaneous melanoma. Researchers will monitor safety, tumor response, and immune system changes to see if this combination offers a new path forward.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: axelopran and nivolumab
What this could lead to: If successful, this combination could offer a new treatment option for people with melanoma that no longer responds to standard immunotherapy.
What could go wrong: This is an early-phase trial with only 28 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The drug combination may cause side effects or fail to improve outcomes.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cutaneous melanoma metastatic melanoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

UNRESECTABLE CUTANEOUS MELANOMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15232, United States

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