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Calquence (ACALABRUTINIB)

AstraZeneca · FDA-approved approved Small molecule ✓ Verified May 2026 Quality 59/100

Calquence (generic name: ACALABRUTINIB) is a Kinase Inhibitor [EPC] Small molecule drug developed by AstraZeneca. It is currently FDA-approved (first approved 2017) for Chronic lymphocyticleukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma, Mantle cell lymphoma.

Calquence works by blocking the activity of the BTK enzyme, which is essential for the activation and survival of B cells.

Calquence, also known as Acalabrutinib, is a medication used to treat Mantle Cell Lymphoma, Previously Untreated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia, and Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma. It is often used in combination with other medications, such as Venetoclax and Rituximab, as seen in clinical trials.

At a glance

Generic nameACALABRUTINIB
SponsorAstraZeneca
Drug classKinase Inhibitor [EPC]
TargetTyrosine-protein kinase BTK
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaOncology
PhaseFDA-approved
First approval2017
Annual revenue3100

Mechanism of action

Acalabrutinib is small-molecule inhibitor of Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK). Acalabrutinib and its active metabolite, ACP-5862, form covalent bond with cysteine residue in the BTK active site, leading to inhibition of BTK enzymatic activity. BTK is signaling molecule of the cell antigen receptor (BCR) and cytokine receptor pathways. In cells, BTK signaling results in activation of pathways necessary for B-cell proliferation, trafficking, chemotaxis, and adhesion. In nonclinical studies, acalabrutinib inhibited BTK-mediated activation of downstream signaling proteins CD86 and CD69 and inhibited malignant B-cell proliferation and tumor growth in mouse xenograft models.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Patents

PatentExpiryType

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
FDA labelMechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results
FDA Orange BookPatents + exclusivity
SEC EDGARRevenue + earnings

Competitive intelligence

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Frequently asked questions about Calquence

What is Calquence?

Calquence (ACALABRUTINIB) is a Kinase Inhibitor [EPC] drug developed by AstraZeneca, indicated for Chronic lymphocyticleukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma, Mantle cell lymphoma.

How does Calquence work?

Calquence works by blocking the activity of the BTK enzyme, which is essential for the activation and survival of B cells.

What is Calquence used for?

Calquence is indicated for Chronic lymphocyticleukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma, Mantle cell lymphoma.

Who makes Calquence?

Calquence is developed and marketed by AstraZeneca (see full AstraZeneca pipeline at /company/astrazeneca).

What is the generic name of Calquence?

ACALABRUTINIB is the generic (nonproprietary) name of Calquence.

What drug class is Calquence in?

Calquence belongs to the Kinase Inhibitor [EPC] class. See all Kinase Inhibitor [EPC] drugs at /class/kinase-inhibitor-epc.

When was Calquence approved?

Calquence was first approved on 2017.

What development phase is Calquence in?

Calquence is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Calquence?

Common side effects of Calquence include Anemia, Neutropenia, Headache, Diarrhea, Fatigue, Myalgia.

What is Calquence's annual revenue?

Calquence generated approximately $0.0B in annual revenue.

What does Calquence target?

Calquence targets Tyrosine-protein kinase BTK and is a Kinase Inhibitor [EPC].

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing