Penpulimab is a monoclonal antibody immune checkpoint inhibitor targeted against programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) used for the treatment of non-keratinizing nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The use of an IgG1 backbone - as opposed to an IgG4 backbone as is typical in other anti-PD-1 antibodies like nivolumab - is intended to reduce the risk of immune-related adverse events.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 1 reference
The binding of PD-1 ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, to PD-1 receptors found on T cells inhibits T-cell proliferation and cytokine production. Under normal circumstances, this mechanism serves to induce self-tolerance and minimize collateral damage in the event of an immune response. Some cancers may overexpress PD-1 ligands, leading to inhibition of active T-cell tumor surveillance.
Penpulimab-kcqx binds to PD-1 and blocks its interaction with PD-L1 and PD-L2, releasing PD-1 pathway-mediated inhibition of the anti-tumor immune response. This ultimately allows the immune system to more effectively fight the cancer, resulting in decreased tumor growth.
- Primary indication
- Penpulimab-kcqx is indicated in combination with gemcitabine and either cisplatin or carboplatin for the first-line treatment of adults with recurrent or metastatic non-keratinizing nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).Curator reviewed · 5 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- 150000.0 Da
- First approval
- United States, 2025
- Code names
- AK-105
Resolves to
What you can answer from here — as of June 16, 2025
Which drugs share a target with Penpulimab, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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