L-asparagine Inhibitors
2 drugsAbout L-asparagine
L-asparagine is an amino acid essential for protein synthesis and various metabolic processes. Some cancer cells exhibit a heightened dependence on exogenous L-asparagine for survival and proliferation. Depleting L-asparagine levels can selectively inhibit the growth of these cancer cells.
L-asparagine is a drug development target, particularly in oncology, but there is currently no genetic evidence linking it to specific diseases. The rationale for targeting L-asparagine stems from the metabolic dependence of certain cancers on it. This offers a targeted approach to cancer therapy.
Two FDA-approved biologic drugs, RYLAZE (JAZZ PHARMS) and ELSPAR (Merck), disrupt L-asparagine metabolism to combat specific cancer types. These drugs have a total of 6 indications in oncology. The first drug was approved in 1978, and the most recent in 2021.
Strategic Insights
ℹ️ How we calculate- White space opportunity in B Lymphoblastic Lymphoma with only 2 trials.
- phase2 represents biological uncertainty with 43% completion.
Top L-asparagine Drugs
The competitive landscape is concentrated, with only two companies, JAZZ PHARMS and Merck, holding approved drugs.
Low competition may indicate high barriers to entry or an underserved market, requiring careful evaluation.
L-asparagine Drug Modality Landscape
Modalities
Routes of Administration
L-asparagine requires biologic approaches (enzyme), likely due to its structure or location.
The exclusive use of biologics suggests an opportunity for small molecule or other novel modalities.
📈 Modality Evolution
Enzymes pioneered L-asparagine targeting (1978), with other biologics entering more recently (2021).
L-asparagine Clinical Trials 69 trials
Completion by Phase
| Phase | Total | Completed | Failed | Active | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 16 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 44% |
| Phase 2 | 34 | 13 | 8 | 13 | 62% |
| Phase 3 | 16 | 7 | 0 | 9 | 100% |
| Phase 4 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 100% |
Top Sponsors
By Modality
Top Conditions
Top Drugs
L-asparagine Drug Approval Timeline (1978 - 2021)
The approval timeline spans 44 years, with the first drug approved in 1978 and the most recent in 2021.
The long approval span suggests sustained interest in the target, but recent approval may indicate renewed focus.
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Competitive Landscape
- • 2 companies competing
- • Market share by company
Full Drug Portfolio
- • All 2 approved drugs
- • Approval dates & indications
Genetic Validation
- • Full genetic evidence table
- • Effect sizes & directions
Approval Timeline
- • Full 2-drug timeline
- • First-of-modality markers
Clinical Trials Analysis
- • Competition: High (15 sponsors)
- • White space: 10 underexplored indications
- • Success rates by condition
Full summary • All drugs • Genetic evidence • Trials • Timeline
How We Calculate These Metrics
Target Attractiveness Score
A 0-100 score based on trial activity, sponsor diversity, and completion rates. Calculated from 61 clinical trials targeting L-asparagine.
Completion rate: Percentage of trials that reached their planned endpoint. Trials terminated early, withdrawn, or suspended are not counted—these often indicate safety issues, lack of efficacy, or strategic pivots.
- Highly Attractive (80+): High trial activity, many sponsors, strong completion rates
- Attractive (60-79): Good trial activity and validation
- Moderate (40-59): Moderate interest from sponsors
- Low (under 40): Limited trial activity or validation concerns
Strategic Insights
Auto-generated insights based on trial analytics including competition intensity, white space opportunities, modality shifts, and failure patterns. We analyze trial sponsors, phases, indications, and outcomes.
Risk Signals
- High Competition: Many sponsors competing for this target (may reduce market opportunity)
- High Failure Risk: Low trial completion rates suggest development challenges
- Low Validation: Limited trial activity or poor outcomes indicate uncertain viability
- White Space Available: Underexplored indications present opportunities