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Data updated: Mar 10, 2026

ZYNYZ

RETIFANLIMAB-DLWR Programmed Death Receptor-1-directed Antibody Interactions
Oncology Approved 2023-03-22

ZYNYZ (retifanlimab-dlwr) is a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) blocking antibody indicated for the treatment of adult patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCAC) and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). For SCAC, it is used as a first-line treatment in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel for inoperable locally recurrent or metastatic disease, or as a single agent for patients who have progressed on or are intolerant to platinum-based chemotherapy. It is also indicated as a monotherapy for patients with metastatic or recurrent locally advanced MCC.

Source: FDA Label • INCYTE CORP • Programmed Death Receptor-1 Blocking Antibody

How ZYNYZ Works

Retifanlimab-dlwr binds to the PD-1 receptor on T cells, which blocks its interaction with the ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2. Normally, when these ligands bind to the PD-1 receptor, they inhibit T-cell proliferation and cytokine production, allowing some tumors to evade immune surveillance. By blocking this pathway, the drug prevents the inhibition of the immune response and potentiates T-cell activity against tumor cells.

Source: FDA Label
3
Indications
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Phase 3 Trials
2
Priority Reviews
2
Years on Market

Details

Status
Prescription
First Approved
2023-03-22
Routes
INTRAVENOUS
Dosage Forms
INJECTABLE

Companies

Active Ingredient: RETIFANLIMAB-DLWR

ZYNYZ Approval History

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What ZYNYZ Treats

2 indications

ZYNYZ is approved for 2 conditions since its original approval in 2023. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anal Canal
  • Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Source: FDA Label

ZYNYZ Target & Pathway

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Target

PD-1 (Programmed Cell Death Protein 1) Immune Checkpoint

An immune checkpoint receptor on T-cells that acts as an 'off switch' for immune responses. Cancer cells often exploit PD-1 by expressing its ligands (PD-L1/PD-L2), allowing tumors to evade immune detection. Blocking PD-1 releases this brake, enabling T-cells to recognize and attack cancer cells.

Pathway Context

PD-1 on T-cells binds to PD-L1/PD-L2 on tumor cells, suppressing immune attack

PD-L1 (Programmed Death-Ligand 1) ligand

A protein expressed on tumor cells and immune cells that binds to PD-1 on T-cells, suppressing immune responses. Many cancers overexpress PD-L1 to avoid immune attack. Blocking PD-L1 prevents this immune suppression, allowing the body's T-cells to fight cancer.

PD-L2 (Programmed Death-Ligand 2) ligand

A second ligand for PD-1, expressed on antigen-presenting cells and some tumors. PD-L2 binds PD-1 with higher affinity than PD-L1 but is less widely expressed. Drugs blocking PD-1 prevent both PD-L1 and PD-L2 interactions.

ZYNYZ Competitors

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10 other drugs also target PD-1. Compare mechanisms, indications, and trial activity.

View all 10 PD-1 drugs →
Drug = Competitor name Company = Manufacturer N indic. = FDA-approved indications → Date = Patent/exclusivity expiry

Competitors share the same molecular target (PD-1). Earlier expiry dates signal biosimilar/generic opportunities.

Drugs Similar to ZYNYZ

FDA-approved drugs for similar conditions. Compare mechanisms and indications to understand treatment alternatives.

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Active Pipeline

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Ongoing clinical trials by development phase

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Key Completed Trials

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Completed studies with published results, ranked by significance

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Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

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Understanding FDA Approval Types
Count Type What it means
- ORIG Original approval - drug first enters market
- SUPPL - Efficacy New indication (new disease/condition approved)
- SUPPL - Labeling Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates)
- SUPPL - Manufacturing Production changes (new facility)
- SUPPL - Chemistry Formulation changes (new dosage strength)

Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.

ZYNYZ FDA Label Details

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Indications & Usage

FDA Label (PDF)

ZYNYZ is a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1)–blocking antibody indicated: Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anal Canal (SCAC) in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel for the first-line treatment of adult patients with inoperable locally recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCAC). as a single agent for the treatment of adult patients with locally recurrent or metastatic SCAC with disease progression on or intolerance to platinum-based chemotherapy. Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic or recurrent locally advanced Mer...

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Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.