Pegargiminase

Pegargiminase is a recombinant, pegylated form of the enzyme arginine deiminase, originally cloned from *Mycoplasma hominis* and produced in *Escherichia coli*. It is designed for use in arginine deprivation therapy, particularly for cancers deficient in argininosuccinate synthetase 1 (ASS1), such as malignant pleural mesothelioma and certain liver cancers. By breaking down circulating arginine into citrulline and ammonia, it deprives cancer cells—especially those unable to synthesize their own arginine—of an essential nutrient required for growth and survival. Pegylation extends the drug’s half-life and reduces immunogenicity. Pegargiminase has shown promise as an adjunct to chemotherapy by sensitizing tumor cells to cytotoxic agents through metabolic starvation.

Brand names

HepacidMelanocid

Other names

pegylated arginine deiminase