The U.S. FDA approved Asciminib on October 10, 2021, as an anticancer medication to treat Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukaemia (Ph+ CML) in the chronic phase (CP).

In a 2022 study,  Asciminib was identified as a new therapeutic option for chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), targeting the ABL myristoyl pocket. The study showed that Asciminib offers a promising alternative for patients who have not responded to the previous treatments. It found that Asciminib delivers higher efficacy and a better safety profile compared to other treatments, marking a significant advancement in managing CML in the chronic phase.

Asciminib is used to treat a certain type of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML; a type of cancer of the white blood cells) in a chronic phase (CP)  who have been previously treated with two or more tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Take Asciminib exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not change your dose or stop taking Asciminib unless your doctor tells you to. Take Asciminb without food. You should avoid eating for at least 2 hours before and 1 hour after taking Asciminib. Do not break, crush or chew the tablet.

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Asciminib are

Common side effects

• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Headache and nausea
• Tiredness
• Rashes
• Muscle, bone or joint pain
• Diarrhea

Rare side effects

• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• Fever
• Skin rash or flushing of your skin
• Fast heartbeat
• Feeling dizzy or faint

Asciminib may cause serious allergic reactions. Check with your doctor right away if you have dizziness, chest tightness, fast heartbeat, cough, skin rashes, fever, fainting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.

• Myelosuppression: Asciminib can cause thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and anaemia. Monitor blood cell counts regularly, every two weeks for the first three months of treatment and monthly thereafter.
• Cardiovascular Risks: Watch for any signs of cardiovascular problems, such as high blood pressure or irregular heartbeats. If you have a history of heart disease, monitor closely.
• Liver Function: Asciminib may raise your liver enzyme levels. Get regular liver function tests to keep an eye on any changes.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Asciminib can harm an unborn baby. Avoid pregnancy while taking this medication, and talk to your healthcare provider about breastfeeding.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: This medication might cause nausea, diarrhoea, or other stomach problems. Taking it on an empty stomach can help reduce these effects.

Store it at room temperature in the container it is packed in and close it tightly. Keep it out of sight and reach of children. If you are taking any laboratory tests, tell your doctor that you are taking Asciminib. Asciminib may increase your blood pressure. You may be asked to monitor your blood pressure frequently while taking this medication. Please let your doctor know if you notice any changes in your blood pressure.

1. https://us.scemblix.com/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK597219/

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.