Pfizer's Avelumab Makes Its Debut, In Rare Form Of Skin Cancer

Pfizer got Bavencio to market by focusing on an unmet need, but the PD-L1 inhibitor is still a few years behind, competing with other checkpoint inhibitors over more valuable indications.

Despite the recent news of a setback for Pfizer Inc.'s development of Bavencio (avelumab) in lung cancer, the drug giant's strategy of focusing on an unmet need allowed it to get to market in some capacity and will give it a test run with physicians and payers before moving into the larger markets.

The US FDA granted accelerated approval of avelumab March 23 for the lead indication of Merkel cell carcinoma, based on...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Scrip for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from New Products

PTC To Challenge BioMarin In PKU With Oral Sephience

 
• By 

PTC plans to compete with BioMarin’s two phenylketonuria drugs with efficacy data showing strong reduction of phenylalanine and ability for patients to liberalize their diets.

Apellis’ Empaveli Expansion Underway In Rare Kidney Disease

 

The US FDA approved the complement C3 inhibitor for new indications in C3G and primary IC-MPGN, providing a new growth opportunity for Apellis.

Analysts Not Impressed With Adaptimmune’s Survival Attempts

 
• By 

The company is getting just $55m from the sale of Tecelra and a couple of late-stage T-cell therapies to US WorldMeds.

Bayer’s Elinzanetant Is Latest Drug Hit By FDA Review Delays

 
• By 

Comes Days After PDUFA Pushback For GSK's Blenrep.

More from Scrip

Quotables: Pharma Leaders On The Month’s Hot Topics

 

The highlights of recent comments and insights from industry executives on the key issues covered in Scrip.

Cipla Revs Up Biosimilars Engine Amid Winds Of Regulatory Change

 

Cipla’s partnered filgrastim biosimilar is expected to debut in the US in Q2 FY26 and the Indian firm expects an investment return ratio for its biosimilar engine “not too far” from that of a complex generic product amid an enabling regulatory environment.

With Planned US Facility Acquisition, Celltrion Looks To Avoid US Pharma Tariffs

 
• By 

Celltrion is set to acquire a US biologics manufacturing facility that will "eliminate" its US tariff risks and provide a ready-made production base for future expansion.