On December 22, 2025 Incyte Biosciences Japan G.K. reported the Japan Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) approval of Zynyz (retifanlimab) in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel (platinum-based chemotherapy) for the first-line treatment of advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCAC).

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"Today’s approval marks a significant milestone for patients with advanced anal cancer in Japan – the MHLW’s approval of Zynyz as the first and only first-line treatment for SCAC," said Yasuyuki Ishida, General Manager, Incyte Biosciences Japan G.K. "By offering combination therapy with chemotherapy, Zynyz provides a vital new path forward for patients facing this challenging disease, addressing a significant unmet need in cancer care for patients with SCAC and their families."

The approval was based on data from the Phase 3 POD1UM-303/InterAACT2 trial evaluating Zynyz in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy (carboplatin-paclitaxel) in adult patients with metastatic or inoperable locally recurrent SCAC not previously treated with systemic chemotherapy.

Results from POD1UM-303/InterAACT2 (NCT04472429) published in The Lancet showed a statistically significant 37% reduction in the risk of progression or death (P=0.0006). 1 Patients in the Zynyz and chemotherapy combination group achieved a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 9.3 months compared to 7.4 months for patients in the placebo combination group.1 No new safety concerns were identified. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 47% of patients receiving Zynyz in combination with chemotherapy.1 The most frequent serious adverse reactions (≥ 2% of patients) were sepsis, pulmonary embolism, diarrhea and vomiting.1

SCAC accounts for approximately 16% to 24% of anal canal cancer cases in Japan, with adenocarcinomas comprising about 70%.2 The overall incidence rate for anal canal in Japan is approximately 0.26 to 0.41 per 100,000 persons.2

This is the first regulatory approval for Zynyz in Japan, and the second regulatory approval for Zynyz in advanced SCAC. In May 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Zynyz in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel (platinum-based chemotherapy) for the first-line treatment of adult patients with inoperable locally recurrent or metastatic SCAC.

Incyte has also submitted a Type II variation Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for retifanlimab in advanced SCAC.

About Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anal Canal (SCAC)

Worldwide, SCAC is the most common type of anal cancer, making up 85% of cases.3 It is a rare disease for which the incidence increases approximately 3% per year.4,5,6,7 About 90% of cases are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection—the number one risk factor for anal cancer.7 HIV is an important amplifier of anal cancer, as people with HIV are 25 to 35 times more likely to develop it.8,9 Anal cancer shares many of the same symptoms as non-cancerous conditions, such as hemorrhoids—including pain, itching, a lump or mass and changes in bowel movements—and as a result can go undetected leading to the majority of patients presenting with locally advanced disease.10

About POD1UM

The POD1UM (PD1 Clinical Program in Multiple Malignancies) clinical trial program for retifanlimab includes POD1UM-303, POD1UM-202 and several other Phase 1, 2 and 3 studies for patients with solid tumors, including a registration-directed trial evaluating retifanlimab in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy for patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

About Zynyz (retifanlimab)

Zynyz (retifanlimab) is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1), indicated in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel (platinum-based chemotherapy) for the first-line treatment of adult patients with inoperable locally recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCAC).

Zynyz is also indicated for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic or recurrent locally advanced Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) in the U.S. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

Zynyz is marketed by Incyte in the United States. In 2017, Incyte entered into an exclusive collaboration and license agreement with MacroGenics, Inc. for global rights to retifanlimab.

Zynyz is a registered trademark of Incyte.

Important Safety

Please refer to the Zynyz package insert for precautions concerning indications, dosage and administration, and safety information in Japan, Japan Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency.

(Press release, Incyte, DEC 22, 2025, View Source [SID1234661601])