calaspargase pegol

Calaspargase pegol is an asparagine-specific enzyme used as part of a multi-agent chemotherapeutic regimen for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in pediatric and young adult patients aged 1 month to 21 years[1][2][3][5][7]. It is a recombinant E. coli-derived L-asparaginase conjugated with monomethoxy polyethylene glycol via a succinimidyl carbonate linker, which improves its stability and extends its half-life compared to earlier formulations[6][8]. The drug works by catalyzing the hydrolysis of L-asparagine into L-aspartic acid and ammonia, thereby depleting plasma asparagine levels. Leukemic cells are unable to synthesize sufficient asparagine; thus, depletion inhibits protein synthesis and leads to apoptosis[4][6]. Calaspargase pegol was developed to address limitations such as shelf life seen with previous products like pegaspargase[8].

Brand names

Asparlas

Other names

calaspargase pegol-mknl