Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc announced that data from the largest safety trial to date of patients treated with Erwinaze® (asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi) based on results of a compassionate use protocol in patients who received Erwinaze as part of a multi-agent chemotherapeutic regimen for acute lymphoblastic leukemia who developed a hypersensitivity to E.coli-derived asparaginase.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia affects approximately 6,000 Americans, 60 percent of whom are children. ALL is the most common form of childhood cancer, with the peak incidence between two and five years of age. ALL can be life-threatening and progresses quickly if left untreated. A majority of asparaginase treatments derive from E. coli; however, approximately 15 to 20 percent of ALL patients develop hypersensitivity to E. coli-derived asparaginase regimens.

The poster at the American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting and Exposition summarizes the safety results in 940 patients at participating U.S. oncology treatment centers between February 2006 and November 2011, when Erwinaze was available under a compassionate use protocol prior to its approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in November 2011. The trial includes additional follow up data that further describe the incidence of adverse events associated with Erwinaze treatment, which are consistent with the known safety profile of Erwinaze. 

 Erwinaze is indicated as a component of a multi-agent chemotherapeutic regimen for the treatment of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who have developed hypersensitivity to E.coli-derived asparaginase. Erwinaze was originally discovered by the UK Health Protection Agency. Erwinaze was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in November 2011.

Erwinaze is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious hypersensitivity to Erwinaze, including anaphylaxis; history of serious pancreatitis, thrombosis or hemorrhage with prior L-asparaginase therapy. Discontinue if serious hypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis, or severe or hemorrhagic pancreatitis occur. Monitor glucose at baseline and periodically during treatment since intolerance may not be reversible. With thrombosis and hemorrhage, discontinue until resolved. Use in pregnant women only if clearly needed. Do not use in lactating women. The most common adverse reactions (≥ 1%) are serious hypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis, pancreatitis, abnormal transaminases, coagulation abnormalities, nausea, vomiting, and hyperglycemia.

 "The extensive information collected in this study provides important information that further evaluates the safety profile of Erwinaze," stated Jeffrey Tobias, MD, executive vice president of research and development and chief medical officer of Jazz Pharmaceuticals. "This additional information may help physicians as they make important treatment decisions related to Erwinaze."