Asparaginase
Asparaginase is an enzyme-based chemotherapy medication used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) by depleting asparagine, an amino acid that leukemic cells depend on for survival. The drug works by converting L-asparagine into aspartic acid and ammonia, effectively starving cancer cells of essential nutrients needed for growth.
Asparaginase is an enzyme chemotherapy agent that kills leukemia cells by depleting their essential asparagine supply.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L01XX02
- RxNorm
- 1156
- Generic
- Asparaginase
- Class
- atc-l01x
- Brands
- Erwinaze, Rylaze
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection, solution
- 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.
Treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in pediatric and adult patients. It is typically used as part of combination chemotherapy regimens, particularly in patients who have hypersensitivity reactions to E. coli-derived asparaginase products.
Asparaginase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of L-asparagine to aspartic acid and ammonia. By depleting circulating asparagine in the plasma, the drug selectively kills leukemic cells that are unable to synthesize their own asparagine (as opposed to normal cells which can produce it internally).
Administered via intramuscular or intravenous injection by healthcare professionals. Common side effects include hypersensitivity reactions, pancreatitis, hepatotoxicity, coagulopathy, and hyperglycemia. Requires regular monitoring of pancreatic and liver function. Contraindicated in patients with serious hypersensitivity to the drug or with history of pancreatitis.
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.
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