Skip to content

Asciminib

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: July 26, 2026

Asciminib is an antineoplastic agent classified as an ABL/BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). It works by specifically binding to the ABL myristoyl pocket of the BCR::ABL1 fusion protein, inhibiting its kinase activity. This medication is typically prescribed for patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive CML who have failed or are intolerant to other tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Quick summary

Asciminib is a targeted therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia that inhibits the BCR::ABL1 fusion protein through a unique myristoyl pocket binding mechanism.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed July 26, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ATC
L01EA06
RxNorm
2584304
Generic
Asciminib
Class
atc-l01
Brands
Scemblix
Availability
rx
Lactation
unknown
Routes
oral
Forms
tablet
Regions
US, EU, CN, JP
Monitoring
—

This page is for informational purposes only.

Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Dosage and administration

adult (standard)tablet
Usual dose
400mg once daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
40mg once daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
400mg once daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Supratherapeutic doses studied in clinical trials; specific toxic dose threshold not well established
Chronic overdose: Prolonged exposure above recommended dose may increase risk of myelosuppression and gastrointestinal toxicity
Immediate actions
Monitor vital signs, establish IV access, consider gastric decontamination if within 1-2 hours of ingestion
Antidote
No specific antidote available(Supportive care is primary treatment; no proven antidote)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

9 groups
✗

pregnancy

first trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

pregnancy

second trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

continue avoiding use unless benefits significantly outweigh risks

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

pregnancy

third trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

discontinue if possible prior to delivery

Monitor

fetal monitoring and assessment of labor planning

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

lactation

breastfeeding
unsafe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

not applicable

Key Recommendations

avoid breastfeeding during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after last dose

Monitor

infant monitoring for adverse effects

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

pediatric_age

children adolescents
unsafe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

not applicable

Key Recommendations

not approved for use in pediatric patients under 18 years of age

Monitor

not applicable

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

geriatric

elderly 65
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no specific dose adjustment required

Key Recommendations

use with caution due to potential comorbidities and concomitant medications

Monitor

regular monitoring of blood counts and organ function

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

renal_impairment

mild moderate
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no initial dose adjustment required

Key Recommendations

monitor renal function during treatment

Monitor

periodic assessment of renal function

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

hepatic_impairment

mild
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no initial dose adjustment required

Key Recommendations

use with caution and monitor liver function tests

Monitor

regular liver function monitoring

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

hepatic_impairment

moderate severe
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

consider dose reduction

Key Recommendations

use with caution, consider dose reduction based on tolerability

Monitor

frequent liver function monitoring

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

Statistics and clinical data

drug_classFDA
2023

Drug class

Value:BCR-ABL allosteric inhibitor ( tyrosine kinase inhibitor)

Asciminib is a BCR-ABL allosteric inhibitor that binds to the myristoyl pocket of BCR-ABL, distinct from ATP-competitive TKIs

approvalFDA
2023

FDA approval year

Value:2021

Asciminib (Scemblix) was FDA approved in October 2021

usageFDA
2023

Primary indication

Value:Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in adults with Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) CML who have failed previous tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy

Therapeutic indication for Asciminib

mechanismFDA
2023

Mechanism of action

Value:Allosteric inhibition of BCR-ABL through binding to the myristoyl pocket, preventing conformational activation

Unique allosteric mechanism differentiating it from ATP-competitive TKIs

Treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in adult patients who have received prior tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy and require an alternative treatment option.

Asciminib is a selective allosteric inhibitor that binds to the ABL myristoyl pocket of the BCR::ABL1 fusion protein, inhibiting ABL1 kinase activity. This mechanism differs from ATP-competitive tyrosine kinase inhibitors and demonstrates activity against wild-type BCR::ABL1.

Asciminib should be taken as directed by a healthcare provider. Common side effects may include fatigue, headache, and musculoskeletal pain. Regular monitoring of hematologic parameters and liver function is recommended during treatment. Drug interactions with CYP3A4 substrates should be considered.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment

Official drug label

WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy