Bavencio and Tysabri

• Generic Name: avelumab
• Dosage Forms: injection, solution, concentrate
• Other Brand Names: Bavencio

Bavencio (avelumab) is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Bavencio is used to treat a type of skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) in adults and children at least 12 years old, when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic).

Bavencio was approved for MCC by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on an "accelerated" basis. In clinical studies, tumors responded to this medicine. However, further studies are needed.

Bavencio is used to treat a certain type of cancer of the bladder or urinary tract that has spread or cannot be removed with surgery. Avelumab is given for this condition after platinum cancer medicines did not work or have stopped working.

Bavencio is also used used alone or in combination with the medicine axitinib for the treatment of a type of kidney cancer called renal cell carcinoma (RCC) that has spread or cannot be removed by surgery (advanced RCC).

• Generic Name: natalizumab
• Dosage Forms: injection
• Other Brand Names: Tysabri

Tysabri (natalizumab) is a monoclonal antibody that affects the actions of the body's immune system. Monoclonal antibodies are made to target and destroy only certain cells in the body. This may help to protect healthy cells from damage.

Tysabri is used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.

Tysabri is also used to treat moderate to severe Crohn's disease in adults. It is usually given after other medicines have been tried without success.