L-asparagine Inhibitors
2 drugsAbout L-asparagine
L-asparagine is an amino acid essential for protein synthesis and various metabolic processes. Some cancer cells exhibit a heightened dependence on exogenous L-asparagine for survival and proliferation. Depleting L-asparagine levels can selectively inhibit the growth of these cancer cells.
L-asparagine is a drug development target, particularly in oncology, but there is currently no genetic evidence linking it to specific diseases. The rationale for targeting L-asparagine stems from the metabolic dependence of certain cancers on it. This offers a targeted approach to cancer therapy.
Two FDA-approved biologic drugs, RYLAZE (JAZZ PHARMS) and ELSPAR (Merck), disrupt L-asparagine metabolism to combat specific cancer types. These drugs have a total of 6 indications in oncology. The first drug was approved in 1978, and the most recent in 2021.
Top L-asparagine Drugs
The competitive landscape is concentrated, with only two companies, JAZZ PHARMS and Merck, holding approved drugs.
Low competition may indicate high barriers to entry or an underserved market, requiring careful evaluation.
L-asparagine Drug Modality Landscape
Modalities
Routes of Administration
L-asparagine requires biologic approaches (biologic (other)), likely due to its structure or location.
The exclusive use of biologics suggests an opportunity for small molecule or other novel modalities.
📈 Modality Evolution
Enzymes pioneered L-asparagine targeting (1978), with other biologics entering more recently (2021).
L-asparagine Clinical Trials 69 trials
Phase 1-4 trials started in 2008 or later that test an FDA-approved drug acting on L-asparagine. Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. How we count
Completion by Phase
| Phase | Total | Completed | Stopped | Active | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 16 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 44% |
| Phase 2 | 34 | 13 | 8 | 12 | 62% |
| Phase 3 | 16 | 7 | 0 | 9 | 100% |
| Phase 4 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 100% |
Top Sponsors
By Modality
Top Conditions
L-asparagine Drug Approval Timeline (1978 - 2021)
The approval timeline spans 44 years, with the first drug approved in 1978 and the most recent in 2021.
The long approval span suggests sustained interest in the target, but recent approval may indicate renewed focus.
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Competitive Landscape
- • 2 companies competing
- • Market share by company
Full Drug Portfolio
- • All 2 approved drugs
- • Approval dates & indications
Genetic Validation
- • Full genetic evidence table
- • Effect sizes & directions
Approval Timeline
- • Full 2-drug timeline
- • First-of-modality markers
Clinical Trials Analysis
- • Sponsors: 40 (7 companies)
- • Completion rates by condition
Full summary • All drugs • Genetic evidence • Trials • Timeline
How We Count Trials
- Trials: phase 1-4 interventional trials on ClinicalTrials.gov that started in 2008 or later and test an FDA-approved drug acting on L-asparagine. A trial counts if an approved drug acting on L-asparagine is in any arm, including as a comparator, and a trial that tests two such drugs counts once. Trials that test only unapproved drugs are not counted. A trial listed as phase 1/2 counts as phase 1, and phase 2/3 as phase 2.
- Active: recruiting, not yet recruiting, enrolling by invitation, or active and no longer recruiting.
- Completion rate: of the trials that have ended, the share marked Completed rather than Terminated or Withdrawn. Completed means the trial ended as planned; it does not mean the drug worked. Suspended trials are not counted as ended.
- Stopped: terminated or withdrawn. Trials stop for many reasons, including slow enrolment and business decisions, not only safety or efficacy.
- Sponsors: the lead sponsor of each trial. Companies are the sponsors ClinicalTrials.gov classes as industry; the rest are universities, hospitals, cooperative groups, government bodies and individuals.