Pembro, also known as pembrolizumab, is a monoclonal antibody.
Understanding Pembrolizumab
Pembrolizumab is a specific type of drug that targets a protein called programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1). It is sold in the US and was initially approved by the FDA for the treatment of advanced melanoma in 2014.
How Monoclonal Antibodies Work
- Monoclonal antibodies are lab-made proteins that act like human antibodies in the immune system.
- They are designed to target specific cells or proteins in the body.
- In the case of pembrolizumab, it targets the PD-1 protein, which is found on immune cells.
- By blocking PD-1, pembrolizumab helps the immune system recognize and fight cancer cells more effectively.
FDA Approval
- Pembrolizumab received accelerated FDA approval for advanced melanoma in September 2014, highlighting its effectiveness in this condition.
Key Takeaway
The reference clearly states that Pembrolizumab is a monoclonal antibody. It is not a traditional chemotherapy drug, rather a targeted therapy that enhances the body's immune response to fight cancer cells.
