ASCIMINIB

Background and Date of Approval

The U.S. FDA approved Asciminib on October 10, 2021, as an anticancer medication for Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukaemia (Ph+ CML) in the chronic phase (CP). A 2022 study identified Asciminib as a therapeutic option for chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), targeting the ABL myristoyl pocket. The study demonstrated that Asciminib provides an alternative for patients with inadequate response to prior treatments. It showed that Asciminib delivers higher efficacy and a better safety profile relative to other treatments, representing a significant advance in the management of CML in the chronic phase.

Uses

Asciminib is used to treat a certain type of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML; a type of cancer of the white blood cells) in a chronic phase (CP) who have been previously treated with two or more tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

How is it administered?

Take Asciminib exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not change your dose or stop taking Asciminib unless your doctor tells you to. Take Asciminb without food. You should avoid eating for at least 2 hours before and 1 hour after taking Asciminib. Do not break, crush or chew the tablet.

Side Effects

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Asciminib are Common side effects Upper respiratory tract infection Headache and nausea Tiredness Rashes Muscle, bone or joint pain Diarrhea Rare side effects Trouble breathing or swallowing Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue Fever Skin rash or flushing of your skin Fast heartbeat Feeling dizzy or faint

Warnings

Asciminib may cause serious allergic reactions. Check with your doctor right away if you have dizziness, chest tightness, fast heartbeat, cough, skin rashes, fever, fainting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Precautions

Myelosuppression: Asciminib can cause thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and anaemia. Monitor blood cell counts regularly, every two weeks for the first three months of treatment and monthly thereafter. Cardiovascular Risks: Watch for any signs of cardiovascular problems, such as high blood pressure or irregular heartbeats. If you have a history of heart disease, monitor closely. Liver Function: Asciminib may raise your liver enzyme levels. Get regular liver function tests to keep an eye on any changes. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Asciminib can harm an unborn baby. Avoid pregnancy while taking this medication, and talk to your healthcare provider about breastfeeding. Gastrointestinal Issues: This medication might cause nausea, diarrhoea, or other stomach problems. Taking it on an empty stomach can help reduce these effects.

Word of Advice

Store Asciminib at room temperature in its original container with the lid sealed tightly. Keep the medication out of sight and reach of children. Before any laboratory tests, inform your doctor that you are taking Asciminib. Asciminib may elevate your blood pressure. Your doctor may request regular blood pressure monitoring whilst you are on this medication. Notify your doctor promptly if you observe any changes in your blood pressure readings.

References

https://us.scemblix.com/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK597219/

Frequently Asked Questions

Is asciminib a chemo drug?

Asciminib is a Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) that is used to treat Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukaemia (Ph+ CML) as a targeted therapy drug.

Does asciminib cause weight gain?

Asciminib does not cause weight gain. However, any medicine can have different types of adverse effects, and individual reactions may differ. If you are gaining weight unexpectedly while taking Asciminib, consult a healthcare professional to establish if it is due to the medicine or another underlying condition.

What is the half-life of asciminib?

The terminal elimination half-life of Asciminib is 5.5 hours when administered at 40mg twice daily and 9.0 hours when administered at 200mg twice daily.

Is asciminib a TKI?

Asciminib is a novel Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) that is used to treat Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukaemia (Ph+ CML).

What is the latest drug for CML?

Asminicin is the latest drug approved to treat CML approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved asciminib in October 2021.

Available Brands 1

Written By: Muskan Patel, M.Pharm

Reviewed By: Dr. Vishwa Patel, MBBS