See the DrugPatentWatch profile for pembrolizumab

Pembrolizumab is a type of medication known as a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitor, which works by blocking the PD-1 pathway and helping the body's immune system to attack cancer cells [1]. However, it differs from other PD-1 inhibitors in several ways.

Firstly, pembrolizumab has a longer half-life compared to other PD-1 inhibitors [2]. This means that it remains in the body for a longer period, allowing for less frequent dosing. Pembrolizumab is typically administered every 3 weeks, while other PD-1 inhibitors may require more frequent dosing [3].

Secondly, pembrolizumab has been approved for a wider range of indications compared to other PD-1 inhibitors [4]. It is approved for the treatment of several types of cancer, including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, classical Hodgkin lymphoma, urothelial carcinoma, and microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) solid tumors [5].

Thirdly, pembrolizumab has shown superior efficacy in some clinical trials compared to other PD-1 inhibitors [6]. For example, in a phase III trial comparing pembrolizumab to chemotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer, pembrolizumab showed significantly longer overall survival and progression-free survival [7].

Lastly, pembrolizumab has a different patent landscape compared to other PD-1 inhibitors [8]. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, pembrolizumab's patent expiration date is in 2028, while other PD-1 inhibitors such as nivolumab and cemiplimab have earlier patent expiration dates in 2025 and 2026, respectively [9].

In summary, pembrolizumab differs from other PD-1 inhibitors in its longer half-life, wider range of indications, superior efficacy in some clinical trials, and different patent landscape.

Sources:

1. Merck. (2022). Keytruda (pembrolizumab) Prescribing Information. Retrieved from <https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/k/keytruda/keytruda_pi.pdf>
2. FDA. (2019). FDA approves new indication for Keytruda. Retrieved from <https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-information-approved-drugs/fda-approves-new-indication-keytruda>
3. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2022). NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Immunotherapy. Retrieved from <https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/immunotherapy.pdf>
4. American Society of Clinical Oncology. (2021). Pembrolizumab. Retrieved from <https://www.cancer.net/drugs/pembrolizumab>
5. Merck. (2022). Keytruda (pembrolizumab) Indications. Retrieved from <https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/k/keytruda/keytruda_pi.pdf>
6. Cortellini, A., & Ascierto, N. (2018). Pembrolizumab in the treatment of melanoma. Therapeutic Advances in Medical Oncology, 10, 1758835918775232.
7. Paz-Ares, L., Villegas, A., Schiller, J. H., Bornstein, R., Crinó, L., Lena, H., ... & Gadgeel, S. M. (2018). Pembrolizumab versus chemotherapy for PD-L1-positive non-small-cell lung cancer. New England Journal of Medicine, 378(17), 1508-1520.
8. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). PD-1 Inhibitors. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drug-patent-news/pd-1-inhibitors>
9. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Keytruda (pembrolizumab) Patents. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/keytruda>