avelumab + pepinemab

Avelumab + pepinemab is an investigational combination therapy for cancer, particularly advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Avelumab is a human anti-PD-L1 IgG1 monoclonal antibody that blocks the PD-L1 immune checkpoint, enhancing the immune response against tumor cells. Pepinemab (VX15/2503) is a first-in-class humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody targeting semaphorin 4D (SEMA4D), which regulates migration and activation of immune and inflammatory cells. By blocking SEMA4D, pepinemab modifies the tumor microenvironment to promote T cell infiltration and overcome mechanisms of immune exclusion and myeloid suppression. The combination aims to couple beneficial modifications of the tumor microenvironment via SEMA4D blockade with enhanced immune activation through PD-L1 inhibition. Clinical studies have shown that this combination is well tolerated and demonstrates initial antitumor activity in both immunotherapy-naïve patients and those resistant to prior checkpoint inhibitor therapy[3][5][6].

Brand names

Bavencio

Other names

pepinemab + avelumabVX15/2503 + avelumab