Scemblix (asciminib) 40mg tablet

Scemblix is a brand name for asciminib, a medication approved for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in adult patients. It is a type of targeted therapy known as a kinase inhibitor, specifically designed to treat patients who have developed resistance or intolerance to other treatments. The drug is manufactured by Novartis and comes in the form of an oral tablet with a dose of 40mg. Asciminib represents a significant advancement in the management of CML, providing an option for patients who have limited treatment choices.

How It Works

Scemblix works by targeting a specific protein that plays a key role in the development and progression of chronic myeloid leukemia. Here is a detailed explanation of its mechanism of action: 1. **Allosteric Inhibition of BCR-ABL1 Tyrosine Kinase**: Asciminib is a first-in-class inhibitor that targets the ABL myristoyl pocket. Unlike traditional tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) that bind to the ATP-binding site, asciminib binds to the myristoyl pocket, an allosteric site on the BCR-ABL1 protein. This unique binding mechanism inhibits the protein’s activity, preventing the proliferation of leukemic cells. 2. **Disruption of Leukemic Cell Signaling**: By inhibiting the BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase, asciminib disrupts the signaling pathways that promote the growth and survival of cancerous cells. This leads to apoptosis (programmed cell death) of leukemic cells and a reduction in disease progression. 3. **Overcoming Resistance**: Scemblix is particularly effective in patients with resistance to other TKIs, including those with the T315I mutation, which is known to confer resistance to many existing treatments. Its unique mechanism allows it to bypass resistance mechanisms that affect other therapies.

Indications

Scemblix is indicated for the treatment of:

• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Chronic Phase (CML-CP): It is used in adult patients with CML-CP who have previously received treatment with two or more tyrosine kinase inhibitors and have shown resistance or intolerance.
• CML-CP with T315I Mutation: It is specifically indicated for patients with the T315I mutation, who have limited options with other available TKIs.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Scemblix may include:

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Increased blood pressure
• Rash
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting

Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include:

• Pancreatitis, which may present as severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
• Cardiovascular events, such as hypertension and increased risk of heart-related issues.
• Myelosuppression, including decreased white blood cell, red blood cell, or platelet counts, leading to increased risk of infections, anemia, or bleeding.
• Elevated liver enzymes, indicating potential liver damage.
• Hypersensitivity reactions, which may manifest as difficulty breathing, swelling, or severe skin reactions.
• Fluid retention, including edema and swelling of the extremities.

Contraindications

Scemblix is contraindicated in the following situations:

• Known hypersensitivity to asciminib or any of the excipients in the formulation.
• Severe hepatic impairment, as the drug may exacerbate liver dysfunction.
• Concomitant use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers, which may affect the drug’s metabolism and efficacy.
• Patients with a history of pancreatitis, unless closely monitored by a healthcare professional.

Pricing Information

Here is a table detailing the price of Scemblix in various countries:

Country	Price (per 40mg tablet)	Reference
United States	$300 – $350	GoodRx
Canada	CAD $400 – $450	DrugBank
United Kingdom	£250 – £300	NHS
Australia	AUD $500 – $550	PBS
Germany	€280 – €330	Apotheken Umschau

Top 5 Global Brands

In addition to Scemblix, several pharmaceutical companies manufacture medications for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia. Here are some of the top global brands:

• Gleevec (imatinib) – Novartis
• Sprycel (dasatinib) – Bristol-Myers Squibb
• Tasigna (nilotinib) – Novartis
• Iclusig (ponatinib) – Takeda Pharmaceuticals
• Bosulif (bosutinib) – Pfizer

— This comprehensive overview provides detailed information about Scemblix (asciminib) 40mg tablet, covering its mechanism of action, indications, side effects, contraindications, pricing, and leading brands in the global market.