Retifanlimab (Zynyz)

Mechanism of action

From NCI Drug Dictionary: A proprietary humanized monoclonal antibody directed against the negative immunoregulatory human cell surface receptor programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), with potential immune checkpoint inhibitory and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration, retifanlimab binds to and inhibits PD-1 and its downstream signaling pathways. This may restore immune function through the activation of T cells and cell-mediated immune responses against tumor cells.

Diseases for which it is used

• Merkel cell carcinoma

History of changes in FDA indication

• 2023-03-22: Granted accelerated approval for adult patients with metastatic or recurrent locally advanced Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). (Based on POD1UM-201)

Also known as

• Code name: INCMGA 0012, MGA 012
• Generic name: retifanlimab-dlwr
• Brand name: Zynyz