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Calquence vs Brukinsa

Acalabrutinib  ·  Zanubrutinib

Both are BTK inhibitors. Here is how Calquence and Brukinsa compare on class, mechanism, dosing, approval and supply.

At a glance

CalquenceAcalabrutinib
BrukinsaZanubrutinib
Brand name
Calquence
Brukinsa
Drug class
BTK inhibitor
BTK inhibitor
Route
Oral
Oral
Marketed by
AstraZeneca
BeOne Medicines (BeiGene)
First FDA approval
31 Oct 2017
14 Nov 2019
US shortage
Not listed
Not listed

Key differences

What each one treats

CalquenceAcalabrutinib

CALQUENCE is a kinase inhibitor indicated: • In combination with bendamustine and rituximab for the treatment of adult patients with previously untreated mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who are ineligible for autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). (1.1 ) • For the treatment of adult patients with MCL who have received at least one prior therapy. ( 1.2 ) • For the treatment of adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). ( 1.3 ) 1.1 Previously Untreated Mantle Cell Lymphoma CALQUENCE in combination with bendamustine and rituximab is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with previously untreated mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who are ineligible for autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). 1.2 Previously Treated Mantle Cell Lymphoma CALQUENCE is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with MCL who ha…

BrukinsaZanubrutinib

BRUKINSA is a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adult patients with: Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who have received at least one prior therapy. ( 1.1 ) This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial. Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM). ( 1.2 ) Relapsed or refractory marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) who have received at least one anti–CD20-based regimen. ( 1.3 ) This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). ( 1.4 ) Relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL)…

How each one works

CalquenceBTK inhibitor

12.1 Mechanism of Action Acalabrutinib is a small-molecule inhibitor of Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK). Acalabrutinib and its active metabolite, ACP-5862, form a covalent bond with a cysteine residue in the BTK active site, leading to inhibition of BTK enzymatic activity. BTK is a signaling molecule of the B cell antigen receptor (BCR) and cytokine receptor pathways. In B cells, BTK signaling results in activation of pathways necessary for B-cell proliferation, trafficking, chemotaxis, and adhesion. In nonclinical studies, acalabrutinib inhibited BTK‑mediated activation of downstream signaling proteins CD86 and CD69 and inhibited malignant B-cell proliferation and tumor growth in mouse xenogr…

BrukinsaBTK inhibitor

12.1 Mechanism of Action Zanubrutinib is a small-molecule inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK). Zanubrutinib forms a covalent bond with a cysteine residue in the BTK active site, leading to inhibition of BTK activity. BTK is a signaling molecule of the B-cell antigen receptor (BCR) and cytokine receptor pathways. In B-cells, BTK signaling results in activation of pathways necessary for B-cell proliferation, trafficking, chemotaxis, and adhesion. In nonclinical studies, zanubrutinib inhibited malignant B-cell proliferation and reduced tumor growth.

Related comparisons

Imbruvica VS Calquence Imbruvica VS Brukinsa

Read more

Calquence profile Brukinsa profile BTK Inhibitors All comparisons
This is not medical advice, and not a recommendation of one drug over the other.

Which medicine is right for a given person depends on their diagnosis, other conditions, other medicines, kidney and liver function, pregnancy, and cost or reimbursement — none of which this page knows. Two drugs in the same class are not automatically interchangeable. Never start, stop or switch a prescription medicine on the basis of a web page; that decision belongs to you and your clinician or pharmacist.

Class and summary text is written by the Priya Life Science editorial team. Label, mechanism, route, manufacturer and approval data come from the U.S. FDA via the openFDA API; shortage status from the FDA Drug Shortage Database. Approvals, indications and brand names differ between the US, EU/Ireland (EMA/HPRA) and other regions — a drug approved in one may not be approved, or may carry a different name, in another.