Drug Overview
Bavencio (avelumab; Merck KGaA/Pfizer) is a fully human MAb targeting the PD-L1 protein. The interaction between PD-L1 and its receptor, programmed death-1 (PD-1), regulates complex signaling pathways that affect T-cell activation, proliferation, and survival, and can induce apoptosis of tumor-specific T cells. By inhibiting the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction, Bavencio reduces the ability of the tumor to evade immune system targeting, and enables the activation of T cells and the adaptive immune system. In addition, preclinical and clinical studies have suggested that drugs targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway may have fewer side effects than other immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Analyst Outlook
Bavencio (avelumab; Merck KGaA/Pfizer) in combination with Inlyta (axitinib; Pfizer) is in development as a first-line therapy for patients with advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). If approved, this combination could be Pfizer’s fourth branded regimen in RCC, which will bolster the company’s strong standing within this market.
Pfizer’s Sutent (sunitinib) is expected to lose significant market share to the programmed death-1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) class. To defend and maintain its branded drug sales in RCC, Pfizer entered into an agreement to co-develop and commercialize Bavencio with Merck KGaA in combination with Inlyta as a potential replacement for Sutent. Competition in this treatment setting is likely to be fierce, as there are four PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors approved or in development for the lucrative first-line setting.
Bavencio (avelumab; Merck KGaA/Pfizer) is a fully human MAb targeting the PD-L1 protein. The interaction between PD-L1 and its receptor, programmed death-1 (PD-1), regulates complex signaling pathways that affect T-cell activation, proliferation, and survival, and can induce apoptosis of tumor-specific T cells. By inhibiting the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction, Bavencio reduces the ability of the tumor to evade immune system targeting, and enables the activation of T cells and the adaptive immune system. In addition, preclinical and clinical studies have suggested that drugs targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway may have fewer side effects than other immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Analyst Outlook
Bavencio (avelumab; Merck KGaA/Pfizer) in combination with Inlyta (axitinib; Pfizer) is in development as a first-line therapy for patients with advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). If approved, this combination could be Pfizer’s fourth branded regimen in RCC, which will bolster the company’s strong standing within this market.
Pfizer’s Sutent (sunitinib) is expected to lose significant market share to the programmed death-1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) class. To defend and maintain its branded drug sales in RCC, Pfizer entered into an agreement to co-develop and commercialize Bavencio with Merck KGaA in combination with Inlyta as a potential replacement for Sutent. Competition in this treatment setting is likely to be fierce, as there are four PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors approved or in development for the lucrative first-line setting.
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OVERVIEW
LIST OF FIGURES
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