Calquence, also known by its generic name acalabrutinib, is a targeted therapy used to treat certain types of cancer. It is a Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor [1].
What types of cancer does Calquence treat?
Calquence is approved for the treatment of adult patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who have received at least one prior therapy [1]. It is also indicated for adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), including those with the 17p deletion [1].
How does Calquence work?
Calquence is a selective, irreversible inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) [1]. BTK is a protein found in B cells that plays a crucial role in B cell signaling pathways. By inhibiting BTK, acalabrutinib disrupts signaling that is important for the survival and proliferation of malignant B cells in certain types of leukemia and lymphoma [1].
When does the patent for Calquence expire?
The patent protection for Calquence is complex and can involve multiple patents covering different aspects of the drug, including composition of matter, methods of use, and formulations. Specific patent expiry dates can be found through specialized resources like DrugPatentWatch.com, which tracks global pharmaceutical patent data [2].
What are the alternatives to Calquence?
For MCL, prior therapies might include chemotherapy or other targeted agents. For CLL/SLL, treatment options can vary depending on disease stage, patient fitness, and genetic mutations. These may include other BTK inhibitors (like ibrutinib or zanubrutinib), BCL-2 inhibitors (like venetoclax), or chemoimmunotherapy regimens [3][4].
What are the common side effects of Calquence?
Common side effects reported in clinical trials include diarrhea, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, bruising, and upper respiratory tract infections [1]. More serious side effects can occur, including infections, bleeding events, and cardiac arrhythmias [1]. Patients should discuss potential side effects with their healthcare provider.