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What is Mektovi used to treat?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on July 17, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Mektovi is used in combination with another medicine called encorafenib (Braftovi) to treat advanced forms of melanoma (skin cancer) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with certain BRAF gene mutations.

Mektovi is used in combination with encorafenib to treat:

Mektovi (binimetinib) from Array BioPharma, along with Braftovi (encorafenib), is part of an oral BRAF/MEK inhibitor combination therapy. Both Braftovi and Mektovi are oral, small molecule kinase inhibitors.

Roughly 50% of patients diagnosed with metastatic melanoma test positive for the BRAF mutation, and it is the most common genetic mutation in metastatic melanoma. BRAF mutations are rare in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), occurring in 2% to 5% of cases.

Study results for Mektovi

Melanoma (advanced skin cancer)

In the COLUMBUS trial of unresectable or metastatic melanoma, 577 patients were randomized (1:1:1) to receive:

Treatment continued until disease progression or unacceptable side effects.

The primary outcome, median progression-free survival (PFS), was 14.9 months for patients receiving the Braftovi + Mektovi combination, compared to 7.3 months for vemurafenib (Zelboraf) monotherapy. PFS is the length of time during and after the treatment of the cancer that a patient lives with the disease but it does not get worse. In this case, median means that 50% of the people had a PFS less than 14.9 months, and 50% had a PFS longer than 14.9 months.

Overall response rates were 63% for Braftovi + Mektov and 40% for vemurafenib (Zelboraf) monotherapy. Median duration of response was 16.6 months vs. 12.3 months, respectively.

Side effects

In studies, the most common side effects (≥25%) in people being treated for melanoma with Braftovi + Mektovi were:

Five percent (5%) of patients receiving Mektovi + encorafenib experienced an adverse reaction that led to permanent discontinuation of Mektovi, most commonly hemorrhage (2%) and headache (1%).

Related questions

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Approval for NSCLC was based on data from the ongoing, open-label, single arm Phase 2 PHAROS clinical trial with 98 participants. Researchers are examining Braftovi + Mektovi combination therapy in patients with BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic NSCLC.

Patients received Mektovi 45 mg orally twice daily and encorafenib (Braftovi) 450 mg once daily until disease progression or unacceptable side effects occurred.

Side effects

In studies, the most common side effects (≥25%) in people being treated for NSCLC with Mektovi + Braftovi were:

Serious adverse reactions in ≥2% of patients included hemorrhage (6%) diarrhea (4.1%) anemia, dyspnea, pneumonia (3.1% each), arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm), device related infection, edema (fluid retention, swelling), myocardial infarction (heart attack), and pleural effusion (2% each). Overall, serious adverse reactions occurred in 38% of patients in this treatment group.

When Mektovi is used with encorafenib in either indication, there may be an increased risk of skin cancers called cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risk for these cancers.

This is not a complete list of all side effects for this medicine. Review Mektovi warnings, side effects and drug interactions in more detail here written for patients and consumers.

This is not all the information you need to know about Mektovi (binimetinib) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other healthcare provider.

References

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