L-Asparaginase

Elspar

Asparaginase (EC 3.5.1.1) is an enzyme which is used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It is marketed under the brand name Elspar®. It can be given intramuscularly or intravenously. Mechanism of action The rationale behind asparaginase is that it takes advantage of the fact that ALL cells are unable to synthesize the non-essential amino acid asparagine whereas normal cells are able to make their own asparagine. These leukemic cells depend on circulating asparagine. Asparaginase ...