See the DrugPatentWatch profile for pembrolizumab

Pembrolizumab: The Revolutionary Immunotherapy That Blocks PD-1

Pembrolizumab, also known as Keytruda, is a groundbreaking immunotherapy medication that has revolutionized the treatment of various types of cancer. Developed by Merck & Co., pembrolizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) receptor, which is a key player in the immune system's ability to recognize and eliminate cancer cells.

What is PD-1?

PD-1 is a receptor found on the surface of T-cells, a type of immune cell that plays a crucial role in fighting cancer. When PD-1 binds to its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, it sends a signal to the T-cell to stop attacking the cancer cell. This binding process is known as immune tolerance, and it allows cancer cells to evade the immune system's attack.

How does pembrolizumab work?

Pembrolizumab works by blocking the PD-1 receptor, thereby preventing it from binding to its ligands. This allows the T-cells to recognize and attack cancer cells without being suppressed by the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction. In essence, pembrolizumab "releases the brakes" on the immune system, allowing it to effectively target and eliminate cancer cells.

Cancer types treated with pembrolizumab

Pembrolizumab has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of several types of cancer, including:

* Melanoma
* Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
* Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
* Classical Hodgkin lymphoma
* Urothelial carcinoma (bladder cancer)

Clinical trials and efficacy

Pembrolizumab has been extensively studied in clinical trials, with impressive results. In a phase III trial, pembrolizumab demonstrated a significant improvement in overall survival in patients with advanced melanoma, with a median overall survival of 10.8 months compared to 6.9 months with ipilimumab, another immunotherapy medication.

Cost and availability

Pembrolizumab is a costly medication, with a list price of around $12,000 per month. However, its high efficacy and potential to improve patient outcomes make it a valuable treatment option for many patients.

Patent information

According to DrugPatentWatch.com, pembrolizumab's patent is set to expire in 2025, which may lead to increased competition and potentially lower prices for the medication.

Expert insights

"Pembrolizumab has revolutionized the treatment of cancer by targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis. Its ability to induce durable responses and improve overall survival has made it a game-changer in the field of immunotherapy." - Dr. Antoni Ribas, Professor of Medicine and Director of the Tumor Immunology Program at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Conclusion

Pembrolizumab is a groundbreaking immunotherapy medication that has shown impressive efficacy in treating various types of cancer. By blocking the PD-1 receptor, pembrolizumab allows the immune system to effectively target and eliminate cancer cells. While its high cost may be a barrier for some patients, its potential to improve patient outcomes makes it a valuable treatment option for many.

Key takeaways

* Pembrolizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets the PD-1 receptor.
* PD-1 is a receptor found on the surface of T-cells that helps cancer cells evade the immune system.
* Pembrolizumab blocks the PD-1 receptor, allowing the immune system to effectively target and eliminate cancer cells.
* Pembrolizumab has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of several types of cancer.
* Pembrolizumab's patent is set to expire in 2025, which may lead to increased competition and potentially lower prices.

FAQs

Q: What is the mechanism of action of pembrolizumab?
A: Pembrolizumab works by blocking the PD-1 receptor, allowing the immune system to effectively target and eliminate cancer cells.

Q: What types of cancer is pembrolizumab approved for?
A: Pembrolizumab is approved for the treatment of melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, classical Hodgkin lymphoma, and urothelial carcinoma (bladder cancer).

Q: How does pembrolizumab compare to other immunotherapy medications?
A: Pembrolizumab has shown impressive efficacy in clinical trials, with a median overall survival of 10.8 months compared to 6.9 months with ipilimumab.

Q: Is pembrolizumab a costly medication?
A: Yes, pembrolizumab is a costly medication, with a list price of around $12,000 per month.

Q: When is pembrolizumab's patent set to expire?
A: Pembrolizumab's patent is set to expire in 2025.

Sources

1. Merck & Co. (2020). Keytruda (pembrolizumab) Prescribing Information.
2. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) Patent Expiration.
3. Ribas, A. (2019). Pembrolizumab: A New Era in Cancer Immunotherapy. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 37(15), 1431-1433.
4. FDA. (2020). Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) FDA Approval Information.