AstraZeneca Calquence tablet formulation approved in EU for adults with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Calquence (acalabrutinib) is a next-generation, selective inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK).

Paolo Ghia, MD, Director, Strategic Research Program on CLL, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele in Milan, said, “Many patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia face multiple medical conditions that require daily treatment, including the use of acid-reducing agents for conditions such as gastro-oesophageal reflux. The tablet formulation allows for co-administration with these drugs, allowing more patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia to assume Calquence.”

Dave Fredrickson, Executive Vice President, Oncology Business Unit, AstraZeneca, said: “The Calquence tablet formulation underscores our commitment to understanding the needs of the chronic lymphocytic leukaemia community and providing patient-oriented treatment solutions. The approval offers physicians and patients in the EU more flexibility to determine the right treatment plan and enables more patients to potentially benefit from this medicine.”

Calquence is approved as a capsule formulation for CLL in the EU. It is also approved in the US as a capsule and tablet formulation for patients with CLL, small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) and relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Additionally, Calquence is approved as a capsule formulation in many other countries worldwide. Indications may vary by market.