ASTX727 + retifanlimab

ASTX727 + retifanlimab is a combination therapy being evaluated for the treatment of advanced Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). ASTX727 is an oral fixed-dose combination of the hypomethylating agent decitabine and the cytidine deaminase inhibitor cedazuridine. Decitabine works by inhibiting DNA methyltransferase, which can upregulate HLA genes and other immune-related targets, potentially reversing resistance to immunotherapy. Cedazuridine prevents the degradation of decitabine in the gastrointestinal tract and liver, allowing for effective oral administration. Retifanlimab (brand name Zynyz) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), an immune checkpoint receptor. By blocking the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands (PD-L1 and PD-L2), retifanlimab restores T-cell mediated anti-tumor activity. This combination is specifically being investigated by the University of Wisconsin, Madison in a Phase I/II trial (UW26001) for patients with advanced MCC who have progressed on prior anti-PD-(L)1 inhibitor therapy.

Brand names

InqoviZynyz

Other names

Decitabine/Cedazuridine + retifanlimabASTX727 + retifanlimab-dlwr