Kyzific contains asciminib, a targeted anticancer medicine. It is used to treat certain types of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in adults, especially in patients who have previously received other tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) but did not respond well or could not tolerate them.

Mechanism of Action

Asciminib is a BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor, but it works differently from older drugs.

• It specifically binds to the myristoyl pocket of the BCR-ABL1 protein (called a STAMP inhibitor – Specifically Targeting the ABL Myristoyl Pocket).

• This unique binding blocks the abnormal signaling pathways that drive leukemia cell growth and survival.

• By shutting down these signals, asciminib helps stop the proliferation of cancerous white blood cells.

  Uses 

  • Treatment of Philadelphia chromosome–positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in chronic phase, in adults previously treated with two or more TKIs.

  • Can also be used in patients with T315I mutation (a mutation that makes other TKIs ineffective).

    Adverse Effects

    Common side effects:

    • Fatigue

    • Headache

    • Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain

    • Rash or skin irritation

    • Muscle or joint pain