Yervoy Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

Yervoy in 2026: What's the Current Situation?

If you've been prescribed Yervoy (Ipilimumab) and are worried about whether you'll be able to get it, you're asking the right questions. Drug shortages and access issues affect cancer patients across the country, and staying informed is one of the best things you can do for your treatment.

This article covers the latest on Yervoy availability in 2026, what's driving access challenges, how much it costs, and what steps you can take to get your treatment on time.

Is Yervoy Still in Shortage?

As of early 2026, Yervoy is not listed on the FDA Drug Shortage database, and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) does not report an active shortage. This means the drug is being manufactured and distributed through normal channels.

However, "not in shortage" doesn't always mean "easy to get." Yervoy is a specialty biologic drug that is only available through specialty pharmacies and hospital infusion centers. Patients sometimes experience delays due to insurance prior authorization requirements, limited distribution networks, or ordering lead times at their treatment facility.

For a deeper look at why Yervoy can be hard to access, read our full explainer.

Why Is Yervoy Hard to Find?

Even without a formal shortage, several factors make accessing Yervoy challenging:

• Specialty distribution only: Yervoy is an IV-infused biologic. It's not available at retail pharmacies. You need an infusion center or hospital that stocks it.
• Prior authorization delays: Because of the high cost (more on that below), most insurers require prior authorization, which can take days or weeks.
• No biosimilar yet: The core patent expired in March 2025, but no FDA-approved biosimilar is available as of early 2026. This means Bristol Myers Squibb is still the sole manufacturer.
• Complex manufacturing: As a biologic made from living cells, Yervoy has a more complex production process than traditional drugs, which limits how quickly supply can be increased.

How Much Does Yervoy Cost in 2026?

Yervoy remains one of the most expensive cancer drugs on the market:

• 50 mg vial: Approximately $7,308 (average wholesale price)
• 200 mg vial: Approximately $29,232 to $35,387
• Full treatment course (melanoma, 4 doses at 3 mg/kg): $120,000 to $150,000+

Most patients don't pay the full cash price. Insurance — particularly Medicare Part B for physician-administered drugs — covers a significant portion. But copays and coinsurance can still be substantial, especially for patients on high-deductible plans.

For detailed cost-saving strategies, see our guide to saving money on Yervoy.

Are There New Options in 2026?

A few developments are worth watching:

Biosimilar Progress

In April 2025, Sandoz announced a collaboration with Henlius to develop and commercialize a proposed biosimilar of Yervoy. While this is promising, biosimilar approval for complex biologics typically takes several years. No biosimilar launch is expected before 2027 at the earliest.

Expanded Indications

Yervoy continues to receive new FDA approvals for additional cancer types and combinations. In 2025, the FDA converted the accelerated approval for the Nivolumab + Ipilimumab combination in MSI-H/dMMR colorectal cancer to full approval for patients 12 and older. More indications may follow, which could increase demand but also improve insurance coverage for more patients.

Alternative Immunotherapies

The immunotherapy landscape continues to grow. Drugs like Tremelimumab (Imjudo), Pembrolizumab (Keytruda), and Nivolumab (Opdivo) are all options your oncologist might consider. Read our full alternatives guide for details on each.

How to Find Yervoy in Stock

If you need Yervoy now, here are the most effective steps:

1. Use Medfinder: Search medfinder.com for Yervoy availability at infusion centers and specialty pharmacies near you.
2. Call your oncologist's office: Ask them to confirm the drug order and check on insurance approval status.
3. Contact BMS Access Support: Call 1-800-861-0048 for help locating stock and navigating insurance hurdles.
4. Check hospital infusion centers: Larger hospitals with oncology departments are more likely to have consistent stock.

For a complete step-by-step guide, see our article on how to find Yervoy in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

Yervoy is not in a formal shortage in 2026, but access challenges remain real for many patients. High costs, insurance hurdles, specialty-only distribution, and the lack of a biosimilar all contribute to the difficulty. Stay proactive by working closely with your care team, using tools like Medfinder, and reaching out to Bristol Myers Squibb's support programs.

Your treatment matters, and there are resources available to help you get Yervoy on time. If you're also managing side effects, our side effects guide can help you know what to expect and when to call your doctor.