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Bavencio (avelumab)

Merck KGaA · FDA-approved active Monoclonal antibody Quality 69/100

Bavencio blocks the PD-L1 protein, allowing the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.

Bavencio (avelumab) is a programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) blocker developed by EMD SERONO INC. It works by blocking the PD-L1 protein, which cancer cells use to evade the immune system. Bavencio is approved for the maintenance therapy of unresectable urothelial carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and renal cell carcinoma. It is a patented product with a half-life of 6.1 days. Key safety considerations include immune-mediated adverse reactions.

At a glance

Generic nameavelumab
SponsorMerck KGaA
Drug classProgrammed Death Ligand-1 Blocker [EPC]
TargetProgrammed cell death 1 ligand 1
ModalityMonoclonal antibody
Therapeutic areaOncology
PhaseFDA-approved
First approval2017
Annual revenue400

Mechanism of action

PD-L1 may be expressed on tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating immune cells and can contribute to the inhibition of the anti-tumor immune response in the tumor microenvironment. Binding of PD-L1 to the PD-1 and B7.1 receptors found on cells and antigen presenting cells suppresses cytotoxic T-cell activity, T-cell proliferation, and cytokine production. Avelumab binds PD-L1 and blocks the interaction between PD-L1 and its receptors PD-1 and B7.1. This interaction releases the inhibitory effects of PD-L1 on the immune response resulting in the restoration of immune responses, including anti-tumor immune responses. Avelumab has also been shown to induce antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) in vitro. In syngeneic mouse tumor models, blocking PD-L1 activity resulted in decreased tumor growth.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

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SourceUsed for
FDA labelMechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results
SEC EDGARRevenue + earnings

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