Odomzo (sonidegib) vs Bavencio (avelumab)

Odomzo (sonidegib) is an oral medication specifically approved for the treatment of locally advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC) that has recurred following surgery or radiation therapy, or for those who are not candidates for these treatments, and it works by inhibiting the Hedgehog signaling pathway, which is active in BCC. Bavencio (avelumab), on the other hand, is an intravenous immunotherapy drug used for the treatment of a variety of cancers, including Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), urothelial carcinoma, and renal cell carcinoma, and it functions by targeting the PD-L1 pathway to help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. When deciding between Odomzo and Bavencio, it is crucial to consider the specific type of cancer being treated, as each medication is approved for different indications and has distinct mechanisms of action.

Difference between Odomzo and Bavencio

Metric	Odomzo (sonidegib)	Bavencio (avelumab)
Generic name	Sonidegib	Avelumab
Indications	Locally advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC) that has recurred following surgery or radiation therapy, or those who are not candidates for surgery or radiation therapy.	Metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), urothelial carcinoma, and renal cell carcinoma. It is also indicated for the maintenance treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma that has not progressed with first-line platinum-containing chemotherapy.
Mechanism of action	Inhibits the Hedgehog signaling pathway which is active in basal cell carcinomas.	A human IgG1 lambda monoclonal antibody that binds to the programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and blocks its interaction with PD-1, thereby activating T cells and cell-mediated immune responses against tumor cells or pathogens.
Brand names	Odomzo	Bavencio
Administrative route	Oral	Intravenous
Side effects	Muscle spasms, alopecia, dysgeusia, fatigue, nausea, musculoskeletal pain, decreased weight, decreased appetite, vomiting, myalgia, diarrhea, and pruritus.	Infusion-related reactions, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, diarrhea, nausea, infusion-related reaction, rash, decreased appetite, and urinary tract infection.
Contraindications	Pregnancy, and those with a hypersensitivity to sonidegib or any component of the formulation.	Hypersensitivity to avelumab or any component of the product, and patients with severe immune-mediated adverse reactions following a previous dose of Bavencio.
Drug class	Hedgehog pathway inhibitor	Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) blocking antibody
Manufacturer	Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc.	EMD Serono, Inc. (the biopharmaceutical business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany in the US and Canada)

Efficacy

Odomzo (Sonidegib) Efficacy in Skin Cancer

Odomzo, which contains the active ingredient sonidegib, is a medication approved for the treatment of adults with locally advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC) that has recurred following surgery or radiation therapy, or for those who are not candidates for such treatments. The efficacy of Odomzo in treating BCC was demonstrated in a clinical trial involving patients with locally advanced and metastatic BCC. In this study, a significant number of patients treated with Odomzo experienced a reduction in tumor size or a complete resolution of their tumors. The response rates were particularly notable in patients with locally advanced BCC, showcasing the drug's potential in treating this subset of skin cancer patients.

The duration of response with Odomzo has also been a point of interest. In the pivotal trial, some patients maintained their response for an extended period, indicating that Odomzo can offer durable benefits for certain individuals. However, it is essential to note that individual responses to the medication can vary, and not all patients may experience the same level of efficacy.

Bavencio (Avelumab) Efficacy in Skin Cancer

Bavencio, with the active substance avelumab, is another medication that has shown efficacy in the treatment of skin cancer, specifically metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer. Bavencio is a human anti-PD-L1 antibody that has been shown to stimulate the body's immune system to fight cancer cells. The approval of Bavencio for MCC was based on data from a clinical trial that demonstrated a meaningful proportion of patients with metastatic MCC experienced significant tumor shrinkage. This response was observed in both chemotherapy-naïve patients and those who had previously undergone chemotherapy.

The durability of responses to Bavencio is also noteworthy. A subset of patients with metastatic MCC treated with Bavencio had sustained responses, suggesting that the drug can offer long-term benefits for some patients. As with any medication, the efficacy of Bavencio can vary among individuals, and not all patients with metastatic MCC will respond to the treatment. It is important for patients to discuss the potential benefits and risks of Bavencio with their healthcare provider to determine if it is an appropriate treatment option for their specific case of skin cancer.

Regulatory Agency Approvals

Odomzo

European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia

Bavencio

European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
Health Canada
Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), Japan
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia

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