pegaspargase

Pegaspargase is a pegylated form of the enzyme L-asparaginase used in combination with other chemotherapy agents to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), particularly in patients who have developed hypersensitivity to native asparaginase[1][3][5]. Pegaspargase works by catalyzing the hydrolysis of the amino acid L-asparagine into aspartic acid and ammonia, thereby depleting circulating asparagine levels. Leukemic cells are unable to synthesize sufficient asparagine due to low levels of asparagine synthetase and thus rely on exogenous sources; depletion leads to inhibition of protein, DNA, and RNA synthesis and ultimately cell death[2][6][8]. Pegylation extends the half-life of the enzyme and reduces immunogenicity compared with non-pegylated forms[2][6]. The drug is administered intravenously or intramuscularly. It was first approved for use in 1994 and is included on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines[7].

Brand names

Oncaspar

Other names

PEG-L-asparaginasepegaspargase