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# MET inhibitors

Oral selective inhibitors of the MET kinase for non-small cell lung cancer with MET exon 14 skipping. Oedema is the hallmark effect.

Updated Nov 12, 2026

## What they are

Capmatinib and tepotinib treat metastatic non-small cell lung cancer with MET exon 14 skipping. Crizotinib (an ALK/ROS1 inhibitor) also blocks MET, and amivantamab targets MET from outside the cell.

## Mechanism of action

MET is the receptor for hepatocyte growth factor. Exon 14 encodes the region that lets the cell tag MET for destruction; when it is skipped, MET piles up and signals constantly through RAS–MAPK and PI3K pathways. Selective MET inhibitors bind the ATP site and switch this signal off.

Target: MET (hepatocyte growth factor receptor) tyrosine kinase

## Key points

- MET exon 14 skipping occurs in a small share of lung adenocarcinomas, often in older patients.
- Peripheral oedema is the most common effect.
- Serious class effects: interstitial lung disease, hepatotoxicity, pancreatic enzyme rise.
- Capmatinib: photosensitivity; tepotinib: taken with food.

## Drugs in this class

- [**Capmatinib** An oral MET inhibitor for lung cancer with MET exon 14 skipping. Watch for leg swelling, lung inflammation, liver… MET (hepatocyte growth factor receptor) tyrosine kinase](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/capmatinib/)
- [**Tepotinib** An oral MET inhibitor taken with food for lung cancer with MET exon 14 skipping. Oedema, lung inflammation and liver… MET (hepatocyte growth factor receptor) tyrosine kinase](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/tepotinib/)

## Others in the class

- Savolitinib
- Crizotinib (also MET)
- Amivantamab (anti-EGFR/MET antibody)

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## What does MET exon 14 skipping do to the receptor?

It removes the degradation signal, so MET accumulates and signals constantly.

## What is the most common adverse effect of MET inhibitors?

Peripheral oedema.

## Which two selective MET inhibitors have DurgiPedia pages?

Capmatinib and tepotinib.

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Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: [ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=L01EP) (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026); [Capmatinib: MedlinePlus Drug Information](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a620038.html) (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2022); [Tepotinib: MedlinePlus Drug Information](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a621012.html) (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2024).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/met-inhibitors/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/met-inhibitors/