See the DrugPatentWatch profile for nivolumab

Based on the information available, there is a connection between insurance coverage and the availability of the cancer immunotherapy drug, Nivolumab. However, it's not a direct impact but rather an influence on the affordability and accessibility of the drug for patients.

Nivolumab, marketed under the brand name Opdivo, is a type of immunotherapy used to treat several types of cancer, including lung, kidney, and skin cancer [1]. The cost of Nivolumab can be high, potentially reaching tens of thousands of dollars for a course of treatment [2].

Insurance coverage, whether it's private or through government programs like Medicare or Medicaid, can significantly impact a patient's ability to afford and access Nivolumab. Many insurance policies cover a portion of the cost, but even with coverage, patients may still face high out-of-pocket costs [3].

Moreover, some patients may not have insurance coverage, making the cost of Nivolumab prohibitive [4]. This lack of coverage and high cost can limit the availability of the drug to those who need it.

In conclusion, while insurance coverage does not directly impact the availability of Nivolumab in terms of supply, it significantly influences the drug's accessibility and affordability for patients.

Sources:
[1] "Nivolumab." National Cancer Institute, www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/nivolumab.
[2] "Opdivo (nivolumab) Injection, for Intravenous Use." DailyMed, National Library of Medicine, drugs.nlm.nih.gov/drugproducts/068302d5-f3d3-4a8a-8b7f-0a185a566f1d.
[3] "How Much Does Immunotherapy Cost?" American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/immunotherapy/how-much-does-immunotherapy-cost.html.
[4] "Drug Prices: What Do They Mean for Patients?" American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/immunotherapy/drug-prices-what-do-they-mean-for-patients.html.