Avelumab for untreated metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma

2.1 Avelumab (Bavencio, Merck/Pfizer) is indicated as monotherapy for 'the treatment of adult patients with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma'.

2.2 The full dosage schedule is available in the summary of product characteristics.

2.3 The licensed dose has changed since NICE's technology appraisal guidance on avelumab for treating metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma. The dosage given in the JAVELIN trial was 10 mg/kg. In November 2019, the approved dose was changed to the dose described in the summary of product characteristics.

2.4 The list price of avelumab is £768 per 200-mg vial (excluding VAT; British National Formulary [BNF], accessed January 2021). The company has a commercial arrangement. This makes avelumab available to the NHS with a discount. The size of the discount is commercial in confidence. It is the company's responsibility to let relevant NHS organisations know details of the discount.