MK-3795 + nivolumab

MK-3795 + nivolumab is an investigational combination therapy comprising MK-3795 (formerly PT2385), a first-in-class oral small molecule inhibitor of hypoxia-inducible factor 2-alpha (HIF-2α), and nivolumab, a programmed death-1 (PD-1) targeted monoclonal antibody. Developed by Merck & Co. (known as MSD outside the U.S. and Canada), the combination was evaluated for the treatment of advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). The dual mechanism aims to inhibit tumor growth and angiogenesis driven by HIF-2α while simultaneously restoring T-cell mediated anti-tumor immunity via PD-1 blockade. Clinical development for this specific combination has largely been superseded by the combination of the second-generation HIF-2α inhibitor belzutifan (MK-6482) and nivolumab.

Brand names

Opdivo

Other names

PT2385 + nivolumab