Is cimepilimab an immune drug or a targeted drug?

Cemiplimab is a new type of monoclonal antibody that is widely used in the treatment of cancer, especially in the clinical application of advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Its trade name is Libtayo, which belongs to the category of immunotherapy rather than traditional targeted drugs. Immunotherapy works by activating or boosting the body's own immune system to fight cancer, and cimipilimab works through this mechanism.

Cimeplimab's main mechanism of action is by targeting a protein called programmed death receptor1 (PD-1). PD-1 is a checkpoint protein that exists on the surface of immune cells such as T cells. It can suppress immune responses and prevent the occurrence of autoimmune diseases under normal circumstances. However, many tumor cells use the PD-1 pathway to evade attack by the immune system, resulting in immune cells being unable to effectively recognize and kill cancer cells. Cimepilimab blocks the binding of PD-1 to its ligands and relieves this inhibitory effect, thereby activating T cells so that they can recognize and attack cancer cells.

In clinical trials, cimepilimab has shown promising efficacy, particularly in patients who have not responded well to traditional treatments. For advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, cimepilimab provides a new treatment option that significantly improves patient survival and quality of life. Cimepilimab also shows promise in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma and non-small cell lung cancer, especially those with high-risk features.

In addition, the administration method of cimepilimab is relatively simple, usually in the form of a disposable vial solution, containing 350 mg of active ingredient per 7 ml dose. Therefore, cimepilimab is an important immunotherapy drug that activates the immune system to fight cancer by targeting PD-1 protein.

Reference materials:https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/cemiplimab