Scemblix

The active substance in Scemblix, asciminib, is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), meaning that it blocks enzymes known as tyrosine kinases. In Ph+ CML, the body produces large numbers of abnormal white blood cells. Scemblix specifically blocks the action of the BCR::ABL1 tyrosine kinase that is produced by these cells, and this stops their division and growth.

Scemblix can only be obtained with a prescription and treatment must be started by a doctor who is experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of leukaemia.

The medicine is available as tablets to be taken by mouth twice a day. The doctor may interrupt treatment and reduce the dose if certain side effects occur. Treatment may be stopped if a patient cannot tolerate treatment with the reduced dose.

For more information about using Scemblix, see the package leaflet or contact your doctor or pharmacist.

The benefits of Scemblix were evaluated in a main study in 233 adults with Ph+ CML in the chronic phase who were previously treated with two or more tyrosine kinase inhibitors. In this study, Scemblix was more effective than bosutinib (another tyrosine kinase inhibitor): after 24 weeks of treatment, 25% (40 out of 157) of patients given Scemblix had a major molecular response (meaning that the number of cells with the BCR::ABL1 gene had decreased to 1,000 times below the standardised baseline), compared with 13% (10 out of 76) of patients given bosutinib. After 96 weeks of treatment, 38% (59 out of 157) of patients given Scemblix and 16% (12 out of 76) of patients given bosutinib had a major molecular response.

The most common side effects with Scemblix (which may affect more than 2 in 10 people) are pain in the muscles, joints and bones, upper respiratory tract (nose and throat) infections, thrombocytopenia (low levels of blood platelets), tiredness, headache, increased levels of pancreatic enzymes, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and nausea (feeling sick).

The most common serious side effects with Scemblix (which may affect up to 1 in 10 people) are pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs), lower respiratory tract infections (infections of the lungs, such as bronchitis or pneumonia), thrombocytopenia, fever, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), chest pain (not related to the heart) and vomiting.

For the full list of side effects and restrictions of Scemblix, see the package leaflet.

Scemblix has been shown to be more effective than another tyrosine kinase inhibitor at reducing the number of cells with the BCR::ABL1 gene in patients who had already received at least two previous tyrosine kinase inhibitors. In terms of safety, the side effects with Scemblix are similar to those seen with this class of medicines and are considered manageable. The European Medicines Agency therefore decided that the benefits of Scemblix are greater than its risks and that it can be authorised for use in the EU.

Recommendations and precautions to be followed by healthcare professionals and patients for the safe and effective use of Scemblix have been included in the summary of product characteristics and the package leaflet.

As for all medicines, data on the use of Scemblix are continuously monitored. Suspected side effects reported with Scemblix are carefully evaluated and any necessary action taken to protect patients.

Scemblix received a marketing authorisation valid throughout the EU on 25 August 2022.