UK-based pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca (AZ, NASDAQ: AZN) has announced the official market launch of Calquence (acalabrutinib), a second-generation Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, in China. The drug previously received conditional marketing approval in the country in March this year, specifically for the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) that has been treated at least once before.
AstraZeneca’s Acquisition and Control of Calquence
AstraZeneca’s acquisition of a 55% controlling stake in Acerta Pharma, the originator of acalabrutinib, in 2016 for USD 4 billion granted the company control over Calquence. The molecule is noted for its improved selectivity and lower toxicity profile compared to the first-generation BTK inhibitor, ibrutinib.
Calquence’s Global Approvals and Sales
Calquence was first approved in the US in 2017 for the treatment of MCL and later expanded its indications to include chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) two years later. The drug has been a significant contributor to AstraZeneca’s portfolio, generating USD 2.05 billion in global sales in the last year alone.-Fineline Info & Tech
