Asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi

Asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi is an asparaginase-specific enzyme derived from Erwinia chrysanthemi used as an anticancer agent. It works by depleting the stores of an important amino acid called asparagine, which is involved in DNA synthesis and cell survival of malignant cells, leading to cell death. L-asparaginase was first identified in 1963, and there are different formulations of L-asparaginase, including Asparaginase Escherichia coli and a pegylated form of this enzyme, Pegaspargase. Asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi and Asparaginase Escherichia coli differ in their pharmacokinetic and immunogenic profiles; thus, those who are allergic to Asparaginase Escherichia coli do not cross-react to Asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi. Studies show that substitution of Erwinia asparaginase for E. coli-derived asparaginase following an allergic reaction has been safe and effective.

Asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi was first approved by the FDA in November 2011 to treat patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who are allergic to E. coli-derived asparaginase: it has been used as part of multi-agent chemotherapy. In June 2021, the recombinant form of asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi was approved by the FDA as a component of a chemotherapy regimen to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoblastic lymphoma in adult and pediatric patients who are allergic to the E. coli-derived asparaginase.