Haspar

Haspar is a recombinant L-asparaginase enzyme developed through a strategic partnership between the Brazilian Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), specifically its Bio-Manguinhos unit, and the Cuban Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB). It is primarily indicated for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The drug's mechanism of action involves the hydrolysis of the non-essential amino acid L-asparagine into L-aspartic acid and ammonia. While healthy cells can synthesize L-asparagine via asparagine synthetase, ALL cells are deficient in this enzyme and rely on circulating L-asparagine for protein synthesis and survival. By depleting the systemic supply of this amino acid, Haspar selectively induces metabolic starvation and apoptosis in leukemic lymphoblasts. This 'human modified' version is engineered to potentially offer a lower immunogenic profile compared to traditional E. coli-derived asparaginases, which are frequently associated with severe hypersensitivity reactions and the development of neutralizing antibodies.

Brand names

Haspar

Other names

L-asparaginase humana modificadarecombinant L-asparaginaseasparaginase recombinantehuman modified L-asparaginase