The HPA is the sole manufacturer of  ERWINASE® and the product is distributed on a world-wide basis by our partners EUSA Pharma.  (http://www.eusapharma.com/erwinase.html)

ERWINASE® is indicated for the treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), a type of cancer that particularly affects children.  Erwinase® is an aparinginase enzyme that is used as part of the treatment protocols in conjunction with radiotherapy  or chemotherapy. The product has been particularly successful over a number of years and survival rates without remission for this type of cancer are now high.

Asparagine is an amino acid that is essential for cell growth; it is produced by most but not all cells. Mutated cancer cells in ALL rely on asparagine circulating in the blood for growth. L-asparaginases are a group of enzymes that lower circulating asparagine levels in the blood, thereby depriving the mutated blood cells of asparagine and inhibiting their growth.

There are several different types of L-asparaginase available on the market, each derived from a different bacterium. Patients receiving treatment with L-asparaginase derived from Escherichia coli, who develop hypersensitivity to that form of the enzyme, may be able to continue treatment with ERWINASE® as the enzymes are immunologically distinct. Antibodies targeting E. coli derived L-Asparaginase have been shown not to cross-react with ERWINASE®.

The product is manufactured in the Agency's  licensed pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. Since its first registration in the UK in 1985  Erwinase® (Crisantaspase) has been registered in 22 countries and commercialised in more than 60 countries world wide.  It is also available in the US as an IND (Investigation New Drug) on a named patient basis.

For more information about the Agency's manufacturing capabilities or the history of Erwinase manufacture please contact business@hpa.org.uk and for information about  supply of the product please contact EUSA Pharma on Tel: +44 1438 735751
email: service-uk@eusapharma.com or see their website at www.eusapharma.com