Tasigna (nilotinib) vs Asparlas (calaspargase pegol-mknl)

Tasigna (nilotinib) vs Asparlas (calaspargase pegol-mknl)

Tasigna (nilotinib) is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor specifically used for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) in adults and children who are at least 1 year old. It targets the BCR-ABL protein that promotes cancer cell growth in CML patients. On the other hand, Asparlas (calaspargase pegol-mknl) is an asparagine-specific enzyme used as part of a multi-agent chemotherapeutic regimen for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and is designed to deplete the amino acid asparagine, which leukemia cells require to survive. When deciding between these two medications, it is crucial to consider the specific type of leukemia being treated, as Tasigna is not appropriate for ALL, and Asparlas is not suitable for CML. The choice of medication will be based on the specific diagnosis, the genetic characteristics of the cancer cells, the patient's overall health, and the treatment protocol recommended by the oncologist.

Difference between Tasigna and Asparlas

Metric Tasigna (nilotinib) Asparlas (calaspargase pegol-mknl)
Generic name Nilotinib Calaspargase pegol-mknl
Indications Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
Mechanism of action Tyrosine kinase inhibitor Modified enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of L-asparagine to aspartic acid and ammonia, depleting the amino acid L-asparagine which certain leukemia cells are dependent on for survival
Brand names Tasigna Asparlas
Administrative route Oral Intravenous
Side effects Rash, pruritus, nausea, fatigue, headache, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, myalgia Allergic reactions, elevated liver enzymes, decreased albumin blood levels, decreased platelet counts, increased bilirubin in the blood, pancreatitis, abnormal clotting studies
Contraindications Long QT syndrome, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, liver impairment Hypersensitivity to calaspargase pegol-mknl or pegylated asparaginase products
Drug class Antineoplastic agent, tyrosine kinase inhibitor Antineoplastic agent, enzyme
Manufacturer Novartis Servier Pharmaceuticals

Efficacy

Efficacy of Tasigna (Nilotinib) in Treating Leukemia

Tasigna (nilotinib) is a medication approved for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a type of blood cancer. Nilotinib works by inhibiting the activity of a protein known as BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase, which is responsible for the growth and development of the cancerous cells in CML. The efficacy of Tasigna has been demonstrated in several clinical trials, which have shown that it can lead to a significant reduction in the number of cancerous cells in the blood and bone marrow, and improve blood counts in many patients. Furthermore, studies have indicated that Tasigna can induce a deep molecular response in a subset of patients, which is associated with a better long-term prognosis and a reduced risk of disease progression.

Efficacy of Tasigna (Nilotinib) in Different Phases of CML

The effectiveness of Tasigna varies depending on the phase of CML being treated. In the chronic phase, which is the earliest stage of the disease, Tasigna has been shown to be particularly effective, with high rates of patients achieving complete cytogenetic response and major molecular response. In the accelerated phase and blast crisis phase, which are more advanced stages of CML, Tasigna can still be efficacious, but the response rates and overall outcomes are generally lower compared to the chronic phase. It is important to note that the response to Tasigna can be influenced by various factors, including the presence of certain genetic mutations that may confer resistance to the drug.

Efficacy of Asparlas (Calaspargase Pegol-mknl) in Treating Leukemia

Asparlas (calaspargase pegol-mknl) is a chemotherapy agent used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), particularly in pediatric and young adult patients. It is a modified form of L-asparaginase, an enzyme that depletes the amino acid asparagine, which leukemia cells require to grow and multiply. The efficacy of Asparlas has been evaluated in clinical trials, where it has been shown to contribute to high rates of complete remission when used as part of a multi-agent chemotherapy regimen. The use of Asparlas has also been associated with a prolonged duration of asparagine depletion compared to other forms of L-asparaginase, which may result in more sustained anti-leukemic effects and potentially improve the long-term outcomes for patients.

Considerations in the Use of Tasigna and Asparlas

While both Tasigna and Asparlas have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of different types of leukemia, their use must be carefully considered by healthcare professionals. The choice of therapy is influenced by the specific type and phase of leukemia, the patient's overall health, and the presence of any genetic mutations that may affect drug response. Additionally, both medications can have significant side effects, and their administration requires careful monitoring for adverse reactions and disease response. It is crucial for patients to be managed by a healthcare team experienced in the treatment of leukemia to optimize outcomes and manage any complications that may arise during therapy.

Regulatory Agency Approvals

Tasigna
  • European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
  • Health Canada
  • Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), Japan
  • Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia
  • Medsafe (NZ)
Asparlas
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA

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If Tasigna or Asparlas are not approved or available in your country (e.g. due to supply issues), you can access them via Everyone.org.

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