N-803 + avelumab

N-803 + avelumab is a combination immunotherapy regimen under investigation for cancer treatment. N-803 (also known as ALT-803 and marketed as Anktiva) is an interleukin-15 (IL-15) superagonist complex that stimulates the proliferation and activation of natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+ T cells, enhancing antitumor immune responses. It consists of an IL15N72D mutant bound to an IL15 receptor alpha sushi domain/IgG1 Fc fusion protein, resulting in improved pharmacokinetics and potency compared to native IL-15[3][7]. Avelumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody targeting programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), blocking its interaction with PD-1 receptors on T cells. This releases checkpoint inhibition on cytotoxic lymphocytes, allowing them to recognize and attack tumor cells more effectively[1]. The combination aims to synergistically enhance immune-mediated tumor cell killing by both activating effector immune populations via N-803 and preventing their exhaustion or suppression via PD-L1 blockade with avelumab[2][8]. Clinical trials have explored this combination particularly in patients with advanced cancers such as Merkel cell carcinoma who have progressed after prior checkpoint inhibitor therapy[4][5].

Brand names

Anktiva

Other names

nogapendekin alfa inbakicept-pmln