Bavencio (avelumab) vs Mektovi (binimetinib)

Bavencio (avelumab) is a PD-L1 blocking antibody used primarily for the treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare form of skin cancer, and for urothelial carcinoma. Mektovi (binimetinib), on the other hand, is a MEK inhibitor used in combination with other medications for the treatment of melanoma with a specific BRAF V600E or V600K mutation. The choice between Bavencio and Mektovi would depend on the type of cancer a patient has and the specific genetic mutations present in their cancer cells, so a healthcare provider would perform tests to determine the most appropriate treatment based on the individual's cancer characteristics.

Difference between Bavencio and Mektovi

Metric	Bavencio (avelumab)	Mektovi (binimetinib)
Generic name	Avelumab	Binimetinib
Indications	Metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma	Unresectable or metastatic melanoma with a BRAF V600E or V600K mutation, as detected by an FDA-approved test, in combination with encorafenib
Mechanism of action	PD-L1 blocking antibody	MEK inhibitor
Brand names	Bavencio	Mektovi
Administrative route	Intravenous infusion	Oral
Side effects	Fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, diarrhea, nausea, infusion-related reactions, rash, decreased appetite	Fatigue, rash, nausea, abdominal pain, arthralgia, vomiting
Contraindications	None known	None known
Drug class	Monoclonal antibody, Immune checkpoint inhibitor	Antineoplastic agent, MEK inhibitor
Manufacturer	EMD Serono, Pfizer	Array BioPharma Inc. (a subsidiary of Pfizer)

Efficacy

Bavencio (Avelumab) Efficacy in Skin Cancer

Bavencio, known generically as avelumab, is a programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) blocking antibody used in the treatment of skin cancer, specifically Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), which is a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer. The efficacy of Bavencio for the treatment of metastatic MCC was demonstrated in a multicenter, single-arm, open-label clinical trial. In this study, a significant percentage of patients experienced complete or partial shrinkage of their tumors. The response was durable, with many patients maintaining their response for a year or more. This marked Bavencio as the first FDA-approved treatment for metastatic MCC, addressing a significant unmet medical need.

The approval of Bavencio was also based on the overall response rate (ORR) and duration of response in patients with metastatic MCC. The ORR was found to be meaningful, with a considerable proportion of patients benefiting from the treatment. It is important to note that individual responses to Bavencio can vary, and not all patients with metastatic MCC may experience the same level of efficacy.

Mektovi (Binimetinib) Efficacy in Skin Cancer

Mektovi, with the generic name binimetinib, is a kinase inhibitor used in combination with encorafenib for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with a BRAF V600E or V600K mutation, as detected by an FDA-approved test. The combination of Mektovi and encorafenib has been shown to significantly improve progression-free survival (PFS) compared to treatment with BRAF inhibition alone. This combination therapy has been a valuable addition to the treatment options available for patients with this specific genetic profile of melanoma, which is a common and dangerous form of skin cancer.

Clinical trials have demonstrated that the combination of Mektovi and encorafenib leads to a higher overall response rate and a longer duration of response compared to BRAF inhibitor monotherapy. These findings have been pivotal in establishing the combination as a standard of care for patients with BRAF-mutant metastatic melanoma. However, as with all treatments, the efficacy can vary between patients, and it is crucial to discuss the potential benefits and risks with a healthcare provider.

Regulatory Agency Approvals

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

Mektovi

European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), Japan

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