Keytruda (pembrolizumab) vs Loqtorzi (toripalimab-tpzi)

Keytruda (pembrolizumab) and Toripalimab (Loqtorzi) are both immune checkpoint inhibitors, but they are approved for different indications and have different availability. Keytruda is widely used and FDA-approved for various types of cancers, including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and head and neck cancer, and has a well-established safety and efficacy profile. Toripalimab, on the other hand, is a more recent addition to the class of PD-1 inhibitors and may not be as widely available or have as extensive a range of approved indications; it is important for patients to consult with their healthcare provider to determine which medication is most appropriate based on their specific medical condition, treatment history, and the availability of the drug.

Difference between Keytruda and Loqtorzi

Metric	Keytruda (pembrolizumab)	Loqtorzi (toripalimab-tpzi)
Generic name	Pembrolizumab	Toripalimab-tpzi
Indications	Various cancers including melanoma, lung, head and neck, Hodgkin lymphoma, and others	Approved in China for nasopharyngeal carcinoma; under investigation for other cancers
Mechanism of action	PD-1 blocking antibody	PD-1 blocking antibody
Brand names	Keytruda	Loqtorzi
Administrative route	Injection (IV)	Injection (IV)
Side effects	Fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, decreased appetite, pruritus, diarrhea, nausea, rash, pyrexia, cough, dyspnea, constipation, pain in extremity, and headache	Similar to other PD-1 inhibitors: fatigue, fever, musculoskeletal pain, decreased appetite, and skin reactions
Contraindications	Individuals with hypersensitivity to pembrolizumab or its excipients	Individuals with hypersensitivity to toripalimab or its excipients
Drug class	Anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody	Anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody
Manufacturer	Merck & Co.	Shanghai Junshi Biosciences Co., Ltd.

Efficacy

Introduction to Keytruda (pembrolizumab)

Keytruda, generically known as pembrolizumab, is a monoclonal antibody that has been widely recognized for its efficacy in the treatment of various cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). As an immune checkpoint inhibitor, it works by blocking the PD-1 pathway, which cancer cells often exploit to evade the immune system. By inhibiting this pathway, Keytruda enables the reactivation of the immune response against cancer cells, providing a therapeutic strategy for patients with this challenging disease.

Efficacy of Keytruda in Head and Neck Cancer

The efficacy of Keytruda in head and neck cancer has been demonstrated in several clinical trials. In particular, the KEYNOTE-048 study, a phase III trial, showed that pembrolizumab alone or in combination with chemotherapy significantly improved overall survival in patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC compared to the standard of care. Patients whose tumors expressed PD-L1 with a combined positive score (CPS) of 20 or more showed the most significant benefit. This has led to the approval of Keytruda for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic or unresectable recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Introduction to Loqtorzi (toripalimab-tpzi)

Loqtorzi, with the generic name toripalimab-tpzi, is another monoclonal antibody targeting the PD-1 receptor, similar to Keytruda. While toripalimab has shown promise in various cancers, its use in head and neck cancer is an area of active investigation. It is designed to work by helping the immune system to detect and combat tumor cells, potentially improving patient outcomes in HNSCC.

Efficacy of Loqtorzi in Head and Neck Cancer

Although toripalimab has been studied in clinical trials, as of the knowledge cutoff date in early 2023, it may not yet have received regulatory approval specifically for the treatment of head and neck cancer in many regions. Clinical trials are essential in establishing the safety and efficacy of new treatments like toripalimab for specific indications. Therefore, the efficacy of Loqtorzi in head and neck cancer would be determined based on the outcomes of these ongoing or future clinical trials, and the results would guide its potential approval and use for this indication.

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)

Loqtorzi

Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA

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