Sugemalimab is a monoclonal antibody targeting the PD-L1 (B7-H1/CD274) protein, used in cancer immunotherapy. It works by blocking the interaction between PD-L1 and its receptor PD-1 on T cells, thereby restoring T cell activity and enhancing the immune system’s ability to detect and destroy tumor cells.

It is primarily developed for the treatment of various solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), where PD-L1 expression is often upregulated as a mechanism of immune evasion. Clinical trials have shown sugemalimab to improve progression-free survival and overall survival when used in combination with chemotherapy or as a monotherapy in certain patient populations.

Due to its high specificity and binding affinity, sugemalimab is being evaluated in multiple oncology indications, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma, esophageal cancer, and other advanced malignancies. It is administered intravenously and is part of a growing class of immune checkpoint inhibitors aimed at enabling durable anti-tumor responses.