retifanlimab

Retifanlimab is a humanized IgG4 kappa monoclonal antibody that acts as a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) blocking antibody. It binds to PD-1 on T cells, blocking its interaction with ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2, thereby preventing the inhibition of T-cell activity by cancer cells. This blockade enhances the immune system's ability to detect and destroy cancer cells. Retifanlimab is primarily indicated for the treatment of adults with metastatic or recurrent locally advanced Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) and has also been approved for use in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel or as monotherapy for locally recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCAC). The drug is administered intravenously every 4 weeks. It was developed by Incyte Corporation and received accelerated FDA approval in March 2023 for MCC, with expanded indications granted in May 2025 for anal cancer.

Brand names

Zynyz

Other names

retifanlimab-dlwr