Emergent New Anti PD-1/PD-L1 Small Molecules for Cancer Treatment

Currently all approved PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors are monoclonal antibodies. Along with that, compounds from other chemical classes are being investigated as well. Among those are small molecules which demonstrate commensurable therapeutic effect in preclinical and early clinical development. In comparison with antibodies, small molecules have certain advantages such as shorter blood half-times and possibility for oral intake. If clinical trials will confirm acceptable therapeutic and safety profile in forthcoming years, these agents may become good alternatives to the monoclonal antibodies for using in treatment regimens implementing immune checkpoint inhibition via PD-1/PD-L1 pathway.