Asparlas

Common Brands Asparlas
Drug Class
Asparagine specific enzyme
Controlled Substance Classification
Not a controlled medication
Generic Status
No Lower-cost generic available
Availability
Prescription only
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Read More
Medically reviewed by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD last update on 20/12/2023

Overview

Asparlas is a brand name for pegylated L-asparaginase which is used for treatment of patient suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Asparaginase is the enzyme which works against the amino acid asparagine its excess being present in cancerous cells as in leucemic cells. Asparlas then decreases asparagine levels hence reduces proliferation of these abnormal cells.

 

In contrast to L asparaginase in its native form, Asparlas is pegylated, which means that the drug has attached polyethylene gylcol (PEG). This modification considerably prolongs the effective duration of the medication in the patient leading to fewer doses. This feature makes the Asparlas more patient compliant than previous L-asparaginase products which demanded more patient visits due to the shorter reconstitution time of the drug.

Asparlas is usually accepted in the combination chemotherapy methods for ALL treatment in both children and adults. A healthcare provider, such as an oncologist or hematologist, will supervise the administration of the medication, which will be injected intravenously

DRUG STATUS

Availability

Prescription only

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy