Asparaginase

Asparaginase is an enzyme-based chemotherapy drug used primarily in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It works by catalyzing the hydrolysis of the amino acid asparagine into aspartic acid and ammonia. Leukemic cells in ALL are unable to synthesize sufficient amounts of asparagine due to low levels of the enzyme asparagine synthetase and therefore rely on circulating plasma asparagine. As a result, depletion of plasma asparagine by administration of asparaginase leads to inhibition of protein synthesis and subsequent cell death in leukemic cells while sparing most normal cells[1][4][5][6]. There are several formulations derived from different bacterial sources (E. coli or Erwinia chrysanthemi), with some pegylated forms for longer activity[1]. As a biologic drug, it is administered intravenously or intramuscularly and is often used in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents for induction therapy in ALL.

Brand names

SpectrilaErwinaseOncasparElspar

Other names

L-asparaginaseasparaginase erwinia chrysanthemiasparaginase Escherichia coli