Calaspargase Pegol
Calaspargase pegol (Asparlas) is an enzyme-based chemotherapy medication used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in pediatric and adult patients. It works by depleting asparagine, an amino acid that leukemia cells need to survive, thereby killing the cancer cells. This medication is typically used as part of combination chemotherapy regimens.
Calaspargase pegol is an enzyme therapy that starves leukemia cells by depleting asparagine, used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L01XX86
- RxNorm
- 2121416
- Generic
- Calaspargase Pegol
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Asparlas
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- 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
- Usual dose
- 2500 units/m²
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 21 days
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2500 units/m²
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 21 days
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2500 units/m²
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 21 days
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; consider alternative therapy
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse only if clearly needed
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus; consider discontinuing if pregnancy confirmed
regular fetal heart rate monitoring and growth assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse only if clearly needed
consider delaying treatment until after delivery if clinically appropriate
fetal monitoring and assessment for preterm labor
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding
do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 3 months after last dose
monitor infant for signs of toxicity if exposure occurs
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children 1 month to 18 yearsno adjustment required
approved for use in pediatric patients with ALL; standard dosing of 2500 IU/m2 IV every 3 weeks
monitor liver function, pancreatic function, and for signs of allergic reactions
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderuse with caution
limited data in elderly; use only if benefits outweigh risks; consider comorbidities
close monitoring of organ function and for adverse reactions
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateuse with caution
limited data; use with caution in patients with renal impairment
monitor renal function and for signs of toxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateuse with caution
use with caution; drug may cause hepatotoxicity; monitor liver function tests
regular monitoring of liver function tests including AST, ALT, bilirubin
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Classification as an asparaginase enzyme preparation
FDA approval year
FDA approval information for Asparlas
Primary indication
Main therapeutic use in pediatric and adult patients
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic mechanism
Calaspargase pegol is indicated for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in pediatric patients (1 month to 21 years old) and adults. It is used as a component of multi-agent chemotherapy regimens.
This medication contains L-asparaginase, an enzyme that converts the amino acid L-asparagine into aspartic acid and ammonia. By depleting circulating asparagine in the blood, it selectively kills leukemia cells that depend on external asparagine for survival, as they cannot synthesize this amino acid themselves.
Common side effects include pancreatitis, liver toxicity, bleeding disorders, and hypersensitivity reactions. Patients require monitoring of pancreatic function (amylase, lipase), liver function tests, and coagulation parameters. This medication has a longer half-life compared to other asparaginase formulations, allowing for less frequent dosing.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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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