What is Avelumab?

Avelumab is a drug called an immune checkpoint inhibitor that works by binding to a protein called PD-L1 on the surface of some cancer cells, which prevents cancer cells from suppressing the immune system. This allows the immune system to attack cancer cells. Avelumab is the first U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved product to treat this cancer.

Avelumab is approved to treat Merkel cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer) that has spread. It is used in adults and children 12 years and older. It is also used to treat renal cell carcinoma (a type of kidney cancer) that has spread or cannot be removed by surgery. It is often used with acetidine Axitinib as first treatment; also for urothelial cancer (a type of cancer in the bladder or urethra) that has spread or cannot be removed by surgery, as maintenance treatment for patients whose cancer has not worsened after first-line platinum-based chemotherapy, or for patients whose cancer has worsened during or after platinum-based chemotherapy.

Avelumab is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancerThe most common serious adverse reactions are immune-mediated adverse reactions (pneumonitis, colitis, hepatitis, adrenal insufficiency, hypo and hyperthyroidism, diabetes and nephritis) and life-threatening infusion reactions.

Avelumab is an emerging cancer treatment drug. The original drug has not yet been marketed in China, so it cannot be included in medical insurance. The price of Avelumab's generic drug, 200mg/10mL per box, may be more than RMB 10,000 per box (the price may fluctuate due to the exchange rate). We are not aware of any Avelumab generics being produced and put on the market. For specific prices and drug details, please consult Yade's medical consultant.