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Tebentafusp

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: July 26, 2026

Tebentafusp is a bispecific T-cell engager immunotherapy designed to treat uveal melanoma, a rare and aggressive cancer of the eye that can spread to other parts of the body. It works by redirecting the body's own T-cells to recognize and destroy melanoma cells that express the gp100 protein, offering a targeted approach for patients with this difficult-to-treat condition.

Quick summary

Tebentafusp is an immunotherapy for unresectable or metastatic uveal melanoma that activates T-cells to target and kill cancer cells.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed July 26, 2026Editorial policy
BOXED WARNING

This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.

Key facts at a glance

ATC
L01XX75
RxNorm
2590743
Generic
Tebentafusp
Class
atc-l01
Brands
Kimmtrak
Availability
rx
Lactation
unknown
Routes
—
Forms
injection
Regions
US, EU, CN, JP
Monitoring
—

This page is for informational purposes only.

Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Dosage and administration

adult (standard)tablet
Usual dose
500mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
250mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
400mg daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Single dose that may cause serious toxicity
Chronic overdose: cumulative toxicity information
Immediate actions
discontinue infusion, supportive care, monitor vital signs
Antidote
tocilizumab(effective for cytokine release syndrome management)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

10 groups
✗

pregnancy

first trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; tebentafusp may cause harm to the developing fetus based on its mechanism of action as a bispecific T-cell engager

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

pregnancy

second trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

discontinue therapy if pregnancy occurs; consider risks versus benefits carefully

Monitor

fetal growth monitoring and regular obstetric assessments

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

pregnancy

third trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use near delivery; consider timing of last dose

Monitor

fetal monitoring and assessment for preterm labor

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

?

lactation

breastfeeding
unknown
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

not established

Key Recommendations

avoid breastfeeding during treatment and for at least 4 months after last dose; tebentafusp is a protein molecule that may be excreted in breast milk

Monitor

no specific monitoring requirements established

?

pediatric_age

children adolescents
unknown
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

not established

Key Recommendations

safety and efficacy not established in patients under 18 years of age; use only in clinical trials if appropriate

Monitor

no established pediatric dosing or monitoring guidelines

⚠

geriatric

elderly 65 and older
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no specific dose adjustment required

Key Recommendations

use with caution; no overall differences in efficacy observed but elderly patients may have increased susceptibility to immune-mediated adverse events

Monitor

monitor for signs of cytokine release syndrome and immune-related adverse events

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✓

renal_impairment

mild renal impairment
safe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no dose adjustment required

Key Recommendations

no dose adjustment needed for mild renal impairment (CrCl 60-89 mL/min); tebentafusp is a protein therapeutic not renally excreted

Monitor

routine renal function monitoring

⚠

renal_impairment

moderate severe renal impairment
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

use with caution

Key Recommendations

limited data in moderate to severe renal impairment; use with caution and monitor closely

Monitor

increased monitoring of renal function and adverse events

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

hepatic_impairment

mild hepatic impairment
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no specific dose adjustment established

Key Recommendations

use with caution in mild hepatic impairment; limited clinical data available

Monitor

monitor liver function tests and for signs of hepatotoxicity

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

hepatic_impairment

moderate severe hepatic impairment
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

use with caution

Key Recommendations

use with caution in moderate to severe hepatic impairment; limited data available; consider risks versus benefits

Monitor

frequent monitoring of liver function tests and clinical status

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

Statistics and clinical data

drug_classFDA
2023

Drug class

Value:Bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE)

Immunotherapy drug class classification

prescribingFDA
2023

FDA approval year

Value:2022

FDA approval date for Tebentafusp (Kimmtrak)

usageFDA
2023

Indication

Value:Unresectable or metastatic uveal melanoma

FDA-approved therapeutic indication

prescribingFDA
2023

First-line therapy status

Value:First and only FDA-approved therapy for uveal melanoma

First therapy approved for this rare cancer type

Tebentafusp is indicated for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic uveal melanoma in HLA-A*02:01 positive adult patients, a rare form of eye cancer that has limited treatment options when it spreads.

As a bispecific T-cell receptor-CD3 engager, tebentafusp binds simultaneously to the gp100 peptide-HLA-A*02:01 complex on melanoma tumor cells and to the CD3 receptor on T-cells, forming a bridge that activates T-cells to recognize and destroy the cancer cells.

HLA-A*02:01 testing is required prior to treatment initiation. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is common and typically occurs early in treatment. Patients should be monitored closely during and after infusion. Other common adverse reactions include rash, pyrexia, and pruritus.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment

Official drug label

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy