OP-02

OP-02 is a recombinant crisantaspase (L-asparaginase) enzyme therapy developed by Ohara Pharmaceuticals. It functions by enzymatically depleting systemic levels of L-asparagine, an amino acid that is essential for the survival of certain malignant cells, such as those in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and some solid tumors, which lack the ability to synthesize it endogenously due to low levels of asparagine synthetase. By converting L-asparagine into L-aspartic acid and ammonia, OP-02 induces nutritional deprivation, leading to the inhibition of protein synthesis and subsequent apoptosis in asparagine-dependent cancer cells. The drug is specifically described in company communications as a "mitochondrial asparaginase" formulation. While asparaginases are a cornerstone of treatment for hematological malignancies, Ohara has also explored the use of this recombinant formulation in solid tumors, including malignant pancreatic cancer.

Other names

recombinant crisantaspasemitochondrial asparaginaseL-asparaginase