Keytruda (pembrolizumab) vs Bavencio (avelumab)

Keytruda (pembrolizumab) and Bavencio (avelumab) are both immunotherapy drugs classified as PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, used to treat various types of cancer by enhancing the immune system's ability to detect and fight tumor cells. Keytruda is approved for a wider range of cancers, including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck cancer, and more, and has a more established usage history. Bavencio, while also used for skin and urothelial cancers, has a more limited range of approvals but is the first FDA-approved treatment for Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare type of skin cancer. When deciding which medicine is right for an individual, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional who can consider the specific type of cancer, the patient's medical history, and the safety and efficacy profiles of each medication.

Difference between Keytruda and Bavencio

Metric	Keytruda (pembrolizumab)	Bavencio (avelumab)
Generic name	Pembrolizumab	Avelumab
Indications	Various types of cancers including melanoma, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, and others	Metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma, and renal cell carcinoma
Mechanism of action	PD-1 receptor blocker, modulating the immune system to attack cancer cells	PD-L1 inhibitor, helps the immune system to do more to fight cancer cells
Brand names	Keytruda	Bavencio
Administrative route	Intravenous infusion	Intravenous infusion
Side effects	Fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, decreased appetite, itchy skin, diarrhea, nausea, rash, fever, cough, shortness of breath, constipation, pain, and abdominal pain	Fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, diarrhea, nausea, infusion-related reaction, rash, decreased appetite, and urinary tract infection
Contraindications	Severe hypersensitivity to pembrolizumab or any of its excipients	Severe hypersensitivity to avelumab or any of its excipients
Drug class	Anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody	Anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody
Manufacturer	Merck & Co.	Merck KGaA and Pfizer

Efficacy

Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) Efficacy in Skin Cancer

Keytruda, generically known as pembrolizumab, is an immunotherapy drug that has shown significant efficacy in the treatment of various forms of skin cancer, most notably advanced melanoma. As a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) blocking antibody, Keytruda enhances the body's immune system to help detect and fight cancer cells. In clinical trials, Keytruda has been associated with improved survival rates in patients with metastatic melanoma. The drug has been approved by regulatory agencies for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma and is considered a first-line treatment option for this condition.

Studies have demonstrated that pembrolizumab can lead to durable responses, meaning that the effects of the treatment can last for a long time even after the treatment has ended. The response rate varies depending on several factors, including the presence of a biomarker known as PD-L1. Patients with high PD-L1 expression tend to have better responses to Keytruda. The drug's efficacy is also evaluated in terms of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), with several studies showing a significant improvement in these endpoints compared to chemotherapy or ipilimumab, another immunotherapy agent.

Bavencio (Avelumab) Efficacy in Skin Cancer

Bavencio, or avelumab, is another PD-L1 inhibitor that has shown efficacy in the treatment of skin cancer, specifically Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer. Avelumab is the first FDA-approved treatment for metastatic MCC and is also approved for patients with locally advanced MCC who are not candidates for surgical resection or radiation therapy. In clinical trials, avelumab demonstrated an overall response rate that was significantly higher than historical rates achieved with chemotherapy.

For patients with metastatic MCC, Bavencio has provided a new treatment option where previously very few existed. The drug has been shown to induce responses that are both rapid and durable, with some patients experiencing long-term survival benefits. The safety profile of avelumab is consistent with that of other PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, and while it is a relatively new treatment option, its efficacy in MCC has been a promising development in the management of skin cancer.

Regulatory Agency Approvals

Keytruda

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

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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