Last reviewed · How we verify
L-asparaginase
L-asparaginase depletes asparagine in the bloodstream, starving asparagine-dependent leukemic cells of an essential amino acid required for protein synthesis.
L-asparaginase depletes asparagine in the bloodstream, starving asparagine-dependent leukemic cells of an essential amino acid required for protein synthesis. Used for Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), Lymphoma.
At a glance
| Generic name | L-asparaginase |
|---|---|
| Also known as | KIDROLASE, ASNase, Colaspase, Crasnitin, Elspar |
| Sponsor | ERYtech Pharma |
| Drug class | Enzyme (asparagine depleting agent) |
| Target | Asparagine (substrate depletion mechanism) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
L-asparaginase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of asparagine to aspartate and ammonia. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells often cannot synthesize their own asparagine and depend on circulating asparagine for survival. By depleting systemic asparagine, the enzyme selectively inhibits protein synthesis in leukemic blasts while normal cells can synthesize asparagine endogenously, creating a therapeutic window.
Approved indications
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
- Lymphoma
Common side effects
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Pancreatitis
- Hepatotoxicity
- Coagulopathy
- Hyperglycemia
- Neurotoxicity
- Thrombosis
Key clinical trials
- Testing the Addition of the Anti-cancer Drug Venetoclax and/or the Anti-cancer Immunotherapy Blinatumomab to the Usual Chemotherapy Treatment for Infants With Newly Diagnosed KMT2A-rearranged or KMT2A-non-rearranged Leukemia (PHASE2)
- A Study to Investigate Blinatumomab in Combination With Chemotherapy in Patients With Newly Diagnosed B-Lymphoblastic Leukemia (PHASE3)
- A Study to Learn More About the Study Medicine Called Inotuzumab Ozogamicin (InO) in Children (1 to <18 Years) With First Relapse ALL (PHASE2)
- Capizzi Escalating Methotrexate Versus High Dose Methotrexate in Children With Newly Diagnosed T-cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma (T-LBL) (PHASE3)
- LBL-2016 for Children or Adolescents in China (PHASE3)
- Asparaginase Erwinia Chrysanthemi With Chemotherapy for the Treatment of High-Risk Adults With Newly Diagnosed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia or Lymphoblastic Lymphoma (PHASE2)
- A Study Testing the Combination of Dasatinib or Imatinib to Chemotherapy Treatment With Blinatumomab for Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults With Philadelphia Chromosome Positive (Ph+) or ABL-Class Philadelphia Chromosome-Like (Ph-Like) B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL) (PHASE3)
- Etoposide, Prednisone, Vincristine, Cyclophosphamide, and Doxorubicin (DA-EPOCH) With or Without Rituximab Plus Recombinant Erwinia Asparaginase (JZP458) for the Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Ph Negative B-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia or T Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |