Calaspargase Pegol

Brand Names: Asparlas

Drug Class: Asparagine-specific Enzyme

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION Calaspargase pegol-mknl contains an asparagine specific enzyme derived from Escherichia coli , as a conjugate of L-asparaginase (L-asparagine amidohydrolase) and monomethoxypolyethylene glycol (mPEG) with a succinimidyl carbonate (SC) linker. The SC linker is a chemically stable carbamate bond between the mPEG moiety and the lysine groups of L-asparaginase.

Mechanism of Action

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action L-asparaginase is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of the amino acid L-asparagine into aspartic acid and ammonia. The pharmacological effect of ASPARLAS is thought to be based on the killing of leukemic cells due to depletion of plasma asparagine. Leukemic cells with low expression of asparagine synthetase have a reduced ability to synthesize asparagine, and therefore depend on an exogenous source of asparagine for survival. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics Calaspargase pegol-mknl pharmacodynamic (PD) response was assessed through measurement of plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) asparagine concentrations via an LC-MS/MS assay.

Indications

  • 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ASPARLAS is an asparagine specific enzyme indicated as a component of a multi-agent chemotherapeutic regimen for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in pediatric and young adult patients age 1 month to 21 years. ( 1.1 ) 1.1 Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia ASPARLAS is indicated as a component of a multi-agent chemotherapeutic regimen for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in pediatric and young adult patients age 1 month to 21 years.

Common Doses

  • 100 mL

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Recommended Dosage: 2,500 units/m 2 intravenously no more frequently than every 21 days. ( 2.1 ) See Full Prescribing Information for important details regarding dosing modifications and preparation and administration. ( 2.2 , 2.3 , 2.4 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage The recommended dose of ASPARLAS is 2,500 units/m 2 given intravenously no more frequently than every 21 days. 2.2 Recommended Premedication Premedicate patients with acetaminophen, an H-1 receptor blocker (such as diphenhydramine), and an H-2 receptor blocker (such as famotidine) 30-60 minutes prior to...

Contraindications

  • 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS ASPARLAS is contraindicated in patients with: History of serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, to pegylated L-asparaginase therapy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] History of serious pancreatitis during previous L-asparaginase therapy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] History of serious thrombosis during previous L-asparaginase therapy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] History of serious hemorrhagic events during previous L-asparaginase therapy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Severe hepatic impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.

Side Effects

  • 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Pancreatitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Thrombosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Hepatotoxicity, including VOD [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] The most common (incidence ≥10%) grade ≥3 adverse reactions were elevated transaminase, bilirubin increased, pancreatitis, and abnormal clotting studies. ( 6.

Interactions

  • No major interactions listed on the FDA label. Always consult a healthcare professional.