Imfinzi vs Keytruda

Side-by-side comparison of Imfinzi and Keytruda — mechanism, indications, safety, trials, sponsor, and pricing.

At a glance

ImfinziKeytruda
Generic nameImfinzipembrolizumab
SponsorUniversity Medical Center GroningenMerck & Co.
Drug classMonoclonal antibody; PD-1 inhibitor
Molecular targetProgrammed cell death 1 ligand 1PD-1 receptor
ModalitySmall moleculeMonoclonal antibody
PhaseFDA-approvedFDA-approved
Therapeutic areaOncologyOncology
First approval2014-09-04

Mechanism of action

Imfinzi
KeytrudaPembrolizumab blocks PD-1 receptor, releasing immune inhibition and enhancing anti-tumor T-cell response.

Approved indications

Imfinzi

  • Extensive stage primary small cell carcinoma of lung
  • Liver cell carcinoma
  • Metastatic carcinoma to biliary tract
  • Non-small cell lung cancer
  • Small cell carcinoma of lung
  • Transitional cell carcinoma

Keytruda

  • Melanoma
  • NSCLC (nonsquamous)
  • NSCLC (squamous)
  • NSCLC (PD-L1+)
  • NSCLC (PD-L1+, post-platinum)
  • NSCLC (neoadjuvant)
  • NSCLC (adjuvant)
  • MPM

Common side effects

Imfinzi

None on file.

Keytruda

  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Anaemia
  • Diarrhoea
  • Constipation
  • Decreased appetite
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Vomiting

Further reading