2024-01-31

ADI-PEG 20, also known as Pegargiminase, is a novel protein with unique metabolic characteristics for cancer treatment. Cancer cells of this type are unable to produce arginine, while ADI-PEG 20 converts arginine in the patient's blood to citrulline, thus depriving these cancer cells of their nutritional source. Normal cells can convert citrulline back to arginine through the urea cycle process without harm.

By targeting cancer cells' dependence on arginine, ADI-PEG 20 cuts off the energy supply of cancer cells and effectively starves them to death. ADI-PEG 20 has high safety, minimal impact on normal cells, and extremely low side effects. Based on the pharmacological mechanism of metabolic therapy, clinical experience demonstrates its broad applicability. In addition to being used as a monotherapy, it can also be combined with other drugs to achieve complementary and synergistic effects.

ADI-PEG 20 has obtained orphan drug qualifications for multiple cancers in both the United States and Europe. Its clinical trial indications include hepatocellular carcinoma, mesothelioma, pancreatic cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, melanoma, and acute myeloid leukemia. Among these indications, the clinical trial for pleural mesothelioma has completed Phase III clinical enrollment and is currently applying for a biologics license (BLA).