1. Asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi
DB08886
Asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi
C1546H2510N432O476S9 (140 kDa)

2. DESCRIPTION
Erwinaze (asparaginase Erwiniachryanthemi) contains an asparaginase specific enzyme derived from Erwiniachrysanthemi. L-asparaginase is a tetrameric enzyme consisting of four identical subunits, each having a molecular weight of about 35 kDa. The activity of Erwinaze is expressed in terms of International Units. It is an antineoplastic agent and was FDA approved in November 19, 2011.
INDICATION
Asparaginase Erwinia chryanthemi is for the treatment of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that have developed a hypersensitivity to Escherichia coli-derivied asparaginase. It is a component of a multi-agent chemotherpeutic regimen for the treatment of the aforementioned disease and is considered second- or third- line treatment in European and American protocols.

3. MECHANISM OF ACTION
Asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi catalyzes the deamidation of asparagine to aspartic acid and ammonia, resulting in a reduction in circulating levels of asparagine in the plasma. The mechanism of action of Erwinaze is thought to be based on the inability of leukemic cells to synthesize asparagine due to lack of asparagine synthetase activity, resulting in cytotoxicity specific for leukemic cells that depend on an exogenous source of the amino acid asparagine for their protein metabolism and survival.
ABSORPTION
denaturation and peptidase digestion within GI tract
ROUTE OF ELIMINATION
possibly using reticuloendothelial system
HALF LIFE
Elimination half-life, IM injection = 16 hours, follows first-order kinetics. Compared to E.coli-asparaginase, it has a lower half-life so higher and more frequent doses are necessary.
Clearance 3.4 mL/min/m2

4. TOXICITY
Because Erwinaze is injected intramuscularly, there is a higher chance of experiencing major skin reactions. Although the perceived benefit of Erwinia chryanthemi-derivied asparaginase is a lower incidence of hypersensitivity, there is still a chance that one may experience symptoms such as, but not limited to, anaphylaxis, pain, edema. Hypersensitivity to Erwinia chryanthemi-derivied asparaginase may be more likely if the patient had previously had an allergy to E.coli-derived asparaginase. Pancreatitis may also occur during the first few weeks of treatment with asparaginase. In addition, other severe adverse effects associated with Asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi are glucose intolerance as well as thrombosis and hemorrhage.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Dexamethasone: Monitor therapy as asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi may increase the serum concentration of dexamethasone due to a decrease of hepatic proteins necessary for dexamethasone metabolism

5. ERWINAZE EUSA Pharma Inc.
DESCRIPTION
tetrameric enzyme consisting of four identical subunits, each having a molecular weight of about 35 kDa = 140 kDa. ERWINAZE (asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi) contains an asparagine specific enzyme derived from Erwinia chrysanthemi. L-asparaginase is a tetrameric enzyme consisting of four identical subunits, each having a molecular weight of about 35 kDa. The activity of ERWINAZE is expressed in terms of International Units.

6. ASSAY:
ADVERSE REACTION:
Systemic hypersensitivity, hyperglycemia, abnormal transaminases, fever, pancreatitis, local reactions, vomiting, nausea, thrombosis, hyperbilirubinemia, abdominal pain/discomfort, and diarrhea.

7. Protein sequence for asparaginase (Erwinia chrysanthemi) monomer
ADKLPNIVILATGGTIAGSAATGTQTTGYKAGALGVDTLINAVPEVKKLANVKGEQFSNM
ASENMTGDVVLKLSQRVNELLARDDVDGVVITHGTDTVEESAYFLHLTVKSDKPVVFVAA
MRPATAISADGPMNLLEAVRVAGDKQSRGRGVMVVLNDRIGSARYITKTNASTLDTFKAN
EEGYLGVIIGNRIYYQNRIDKLHTTRSVFDVRGLTSLPKVDILYGYQDDPEYLYDAAIQH
GVKGIVYAGMGAGSVSVRGIAGMRKAMEKGVVVIRSTRTGNGIVPPDEELPGLVSDSLNP
AHARILLMLALTRTSDPKVIQEYFHTY

8. REFERENCES
Pieters R, Hunger SP, Boos J, Rizzari C, Silverman L, Baruchel A, Goekbuget N, Schrappe M, Pui CH: L-asparaginase treatment in acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a focus on Erwinia asparaginase. Cancer Jan 15;117(2): doi: /cncr Epub 2010 Sep 7 #
PubMed