Bavencio (avelumab) vs Zynyz (retifanlimab-dlwr)

Bavencio (avelumab) and Zynyz (retifanlimab-dlwr) are both immune checkpoint inhibitors, but they target different proteins; Bavencio blocks the PD-L1 protein, while Zynyz inhibits the PD-1 protein, both of which can help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Bavencio is approved for the treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma, and renal cell carcinoma, among others, while Zynyz has been granted accelerated approval for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors that have high microsatellite instability or mismatch repair deficiency. The choice between Bavencio and Zynyz should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, considering the specific type of cancer, the patient's overall health, treatment goals, potential side effects, and whether the cancer expresses the specific proteins that these drugs target.

Difference between Bavencio and Zynyz

Metric	Bavencio (avelumab)	Zynyz (retifanlimab-dlwr)
Generic name	Avelumab	Retifanlimab-dlwr
Indications	Merkel cell carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma	Squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal
Mechanism of action	PD-L1 blocking antibody	PD-1 blocking antibody
Brand names	Bavencio	Zynyz
Administrative route	Intravenous infusion	Intravenous infusion
Side effects	Fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, diarrhea, nausea, infusion-related reactions, rash, decreased appetite	Fatigue, anemia, rash, constipation, urinary tract infection, musculoskeletal pain
Contraindications	Severe hypersensitivity to avelumab or any of its components	Severe hypersensitivity to retifanlimab or any of its components
Drug class	Programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) blocking antibody	Programmed death-1 (PD-1) blocking antibody
Manufacturer	EMD Serono, Inc. (the biopharmaceutical business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), and Pfizer Inc.	Inc. (Incyte Corporation)

Efficacy

Bavencio (Avelumab) Efficacy in Skin Cancer

Bavencio (avelumab) is a programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) blocking antibody used in the treatment of various types of cancer, including skin cancer. Specifically, it has been approved for the treatment of metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer. Clinical trials have demonstrated that avelumab can induce durable responses in a subset of patients with metastatic MCC. The efficacy of Bavencio was initially shown in the JAVELIN Merkel 200 trial, a multicenter, single-arm, open-label study. In this study, avelumab showed an objective response rate (ORR) in patients with metastatic MCC who had previously received chemotherapy.

Further evidence of Bavencio's efficacy in skin cancer comes from continued follow-up of patients in clinical trials. The long-term data suggest that for those who respond, the treatment can lead to prolonged survival, which is a significant improvement over historical outcomes with chemotherapy. However, it is important to note that not all patients with metastatic MCC will respond to avelumab, and research is ongoing to better understand the predictors of response to this therapy.

Zynyz (Retifanlimab-dlwr) Efficacy in Skin Cancer

Zynyz (retifanlimab-dlwr) is another PD-1 inhibitor being investigated for its efficacy in treating various types of cancers, including skin cancer. As of the knowledge cutoff date, retifanlimab has been studied in clinical trials but has not yet received approval for the treatment of skin cancer. The available data from these studies suggest that retifanlimab may have activity in skin cancer, but more research is needed to fully establish its efficacy and safety profile in this setting.

It is important for patients and healthcare providers to consider the current evidence when evaluating the use of retifanlimab for skin cancer. As with any investigational drug, the benefits and risks must be weighed, and treatment should be guided by the most up-to-date research findings and clinical trial data. As new information becomes available, the understanding of retifanlimab's role in treating skin cancer may evolve, potentially expanding the therapeutic options available to patients with this disease.

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

Zynyz

Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA

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