Imfinzi (durvalumab)
AstraZeneca · PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor
What is Imfinzi? Imfinzi (durvalumab) is a PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor by AstraZeneca approved for unresectable Stage III NSCLC after chemoradiation, extensive-stage small cell lung cancer, biliary tract cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
About Imfinzi
| Brand Name | Imfinzi |
| Generic / INN | durvalumab |
| Drug Class | PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor |
| Manufacturer | AstraZeneca |
| Administration | Intravenous (IV) infusion |
| FDA Approval | 2017 |
FDA-Approved Uses for Imfinzi
Indications are based on FDA approval. Your healthcare provider determines appropriate use based on your specific diagnosis, stage, biomarker status, and overall clinical picture.
- Unresectable Stage III NSCLC — after platinum-based concurrent chemoradiation (consolidation)
- Extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) — first-line with chemotherapy
- Biliary tract cancer (BTC) — with gemcitabine and cisplatin
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) — with tremelimumab (HIMALAYA regimen)
How Does Imfinzi Work?
Durvalumab binds PD-L1 on tumor cells, blocking its interaction with PD-1 and B7-1 on T cells. This restores T cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity. It does not block the PD-L2/PD-1 interaction, potentially preserving some immune regulation.
Dosage & Administration
NSCLC consolidation: 10 mg/kg IV every 2 weeks or 1500 mg every 4 weeks. ES-SCLC: 1500 mg every 3 weeks (with chemo), then 1500 mg every 4 weeks. Specific regimens vary by indication.
Dosing is individualized by the prescribing clinician. Never adjust your dose without consulting your healthcare provider. This information is educational only and does not replace the official prescribing information.
Warnings, Precautions & Side Effects
General Warning
Immune-mediated pneumonitis, hepatitis, colitis, endocrinopathies, nephritis. Infusion-related reactions. Embryo-fetal toxicity.
- Immune-mediated pneumonitis
- Immune-mediated hepatitis
- Immune-mediated colitis
- Infusion-related reactions
- Embryo-fetal toxicity
Common Side Effects
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Pneumonitis
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Rash
- Infections
- Dyspnea
This is not a complete list. Always report new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.
Storage & Handling
Refrigerate at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze.
BiologicHealthPlus provides temperature-monitored cold-chain specialty delivery for medications requiring refrigeration. Never use a medication if its storage conditions have been compromised.
Insurance Coverage, Prior Authorization & Patient Assistance
🛡️ Commercial Insurance
Imfinzi is covered by most major commercial insurance plans when medically necessary and prior authorized. Coverage tier and cost-sharing vary by plan.
✅ Prior Authorization
Prior authorization is required by virtually all insurance plans for Imfinzi. BiologicHealthPlus handles the complete prior authorization process at no cost to patients or providers.
🏥 Medicare Coverage
Medicare Part B covers this IV medication when administered in a clinical setting. Medicaid coverage varies by state.
🆓 Patient Assistance
Manufacturer patient assistance programs may be available for eligible uninsured or underinsured patients. Contact BiologicHealthPlus for a confidential eligibility review.
Prior Authorization Patient Assistance Insurance & Savings Medication Costs
Frequently Asked Questions — Imfinzi
Imfinzi (durvalumab) is a PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor by AstraZeneca, best known as the standard of care consolidation therapy for unresectable Stage III NSCLC after concurrent chemoradiation (the PACIFIC regimen).
PACIFIC refers to the landmark trial showing that 12 months of durvalumab consolidation after chemoradiation significantly improved progression-free and overall survival in Stage III NSCLC without progression after chemoradiation.
Imfinzi is covered by Medicare Part B and commercial insurance with prior authorization for approved indications.
Related Medications & Conditions
Related Medications
Imjudo (tremelimumab — HCC combination) · Keytruda (pembrolizumab) · Tecentriq (atezolizumab)
Related Conditions
Stage III NSCLC · Small cell lung cancer · Biliary tract cancer · Hepatocellular carcinoma