Acalabrutinib was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on October 21, 2019 [1].
When did acalabrutinib become available?
Following its FDA approval in October 2019, acalabrutinib became available for prescription and use in eligible patients.
What is acalabrutinib used to treat?
Acalabrutinib is approved for adult patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who have received at least one prior therapy [1]. It is also approved for adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) who have not received prior treatment or have received at least one prior therapy [1].
How does acalabrutinib work?
Acalabrutinib is a Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor [1]. BTK is a protein that plays a role in the growth and survival of certain B cells, including cancerous ones. By inhibiting BTK, acalabrutinib can help to slow or stop the growth of these cancer cells.
What are the potential side effects of acalabrutinib?
Common side effects of acalabrutinib include fatigue, diarrhea, bruising, bleeding, pneumonia, decreased lymphocyte count, decreased platelet count, rash, and headache [1]. Serious side effects can include infections, bleeding events, cardiac events, and secondary malignancies.
Are there any generic versions of acalabrutinib available?
Currently, there are no generic versions of acalabrutinib available. The drug is marketed under the brand name Calquence [1]. Information regarding patent expiry and potential generic competition can be tracked on resources like DrugPatentWatch.com [2].
What is the pricing of acalabrutinib?
The cost of acalabrutinib can vary depending on insurance coverage, pharmacy, and dosage. Specific pricing details are best obtained from pharmacies or through patient assistance programs.
What other treatments are available for MCL or CLL/SLL?
Treatment options for MCL and CLL/SLL can include chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy. The choice of treatment depends on the specific diagnosis, stage of the disease, and the patient's overall health.