Ivonescimab

Ivonescimab is a humanized bispecific monoclonal antibody currently being trialed for use against non-small-cell lung cancer. Developed by Akeso, it has been approved in China for the treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC in patients who have progressed past tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy, and is undergoing clinical trials elsewhere.

Mechanism of action

Ivonescimab prevents tumor proliferation and angiogenesis by inhibiting programmed cell death protein 1 and vascular endothelial growth factor A, respectively.

Research

Ivonescimab so far has only completed trials in Chinese patients, and is currently undergoing phase III trials in the United States for the treatment of non-squamous non-small-cell lung cancer and advanced NSCLC.

Society and culture

The initial success of ivonescimab in trials is compared to already-approved drugs such as Merck & Co.'s Keytruda ; its success has been described as important for the pharmaceutical industry in China.