TheraRadar

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Data updated: Mar 10, 2026

CALQUENCE

ACALABRUTINIB MALEATE Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
Oncology Approved 2017-10-31

Calquence is a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). It is also approved for the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) in patients who have received at least one prior therapy. Additionally, the drug is used in combination with bendamustine and rituximab for adults with previously untreated MCL who are ineligible for autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Source: FDA Label • AstraZeneca • Kinase Inhibitor

How CALQUENCE Works

Acalabrutinib and its active metabolite function as small-molecule inhibitors of Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) by forming a covalent bond with a cysteine residue in the BTK active site. BTK is a critical signaling molecule in the B-cell antigen receptor and cytokine receptor pathways that regulate B-cell proliferation, trafficking, and adhesion. By blocking BTK enzymatic activity, the drug inhibits these downstream signaling pathways, thereby preventing the growth and survival of malignant B cells.

Source: FDA Label
5
Indications
--
Phase 3 Trials
3
Priority Reviews
8
Years on Market

Details

Status
Prescription
First Approved
2017-10-31
Routes
ORAL
Dosage Forms
TABLET, CAPSULE

Companies

Active Ingredient: ACALABRUTINIB MALEATE

CALQUENCE Approval History

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What CALQUENCE Treats

4 indications

CALQUENCE is approved for 4 conditions since its original approval in 2017. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Previously untreated mantle cell lymphoma in patients ineligible for autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (in combination with bendamustine and rituximab)
  • Mantle cell lymphoma in patients who have received at least one prior therapy
  • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
  • Small lymphocytic lymphoma
Source: FDA Label

CALQUENCE Target & Pathway

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Target

BTK (Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase) Intracellular Kinase

A kinase essential for B-cell development and signaling. BTK inhibitors block B-cell receptor signaling, making them highly effective in B-cell malignancies like chronic lymphocytic leukemia and mantle cell lymphoma.

CALQUENCE Competitors

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4 other drugs also target BTK. Compare mechanisms, indications, and trial activity.

Drug = Competitor name Company = Manufacturer N indic. = FDA-approved indications → Date = Patent/exclusivity expiry

Competitors share the same molecular target (BTK). Earlier expiry dates signal biosimilar/generic opportunities.

Drugs Similar to CALQUENCE

FDA-approved drugs for similar conditions. Compare mechanisms and indications to understand treatment alternatives.

COPIKTRA
DUVELISIB
2 shared
SECURA
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JAYPIRCA
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LOXO ONCOL
Shared indications:
Chronic Lymphocytic LeukemiaSmall Lymphocytic Lymphoma
BELRAPZO
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1 shared
EAGLE PHARMS
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BENDEKA
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EAGLE PHARMS
Shared indications:
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GAZYVA
OBINUTUZUMAB
1 shared
Roche
Shared indications:
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IDELALISIB
IDELALISIB
1 shared
NATCO
Shared indications:
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IMBRUVICA
IBRUTINIB
1 shared
PHARMACYCLICS LLC
Shared indications:
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LEUKERAN
CHLORAMBUCIL
1 shared
WAYLIS THERAP
Shared indications:
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
RIABNI
RITUXIMAB-ARRX
1 shared
Amgen
Shared indications:
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
RITUXAN
RITUXIMAB
1 shared
Roche
Shared indications:
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RITUXAN HYCELA
RITUXIMAB
1 shared
Roche
Shared indications:
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
RUXIENCE
RITUXIMAB-PVVR
1 shared
Pfizer
Shared indications:
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
TREANDA
BENDAMUSTINE HYDROCHLORIDE
1 shared
CEPHALON
Shared indications:
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
TRUXIMA
RITUXIMAB-ABBS
1 shared
CELLTRION INC
Shared indications:
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
VIVIMUSTA
BENDAMUSTINE HYDROCHLORIDE
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AZURITY
Shared indications:
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ZYDELIG
IDELALISIB
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Gilead Sciences
Shared indications:
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Active Pipeline

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Ongoing clinical trials by development phase

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Key Completed Trials

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Completed studies with published results, ranked by significance

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📊

Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

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Understanding FDA Approval Types
Count Type What it means
- ORIG Original approval - drug first enters market
- SUPPL - Efficacy New indication (new disease/condition approved)
- SUPPL - Labeling Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates)
- SUPPL - Manufacturing Production changes (new facility)
- SUPPL - Chemistry Formulation changes (new dosage strength)

Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.

CALQUENCE FDA Label Details

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Indications & Usage

FDA Label (PDF)

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). • For the treatment of adult patients with MCL who have received at least one prior therapy. • For the treatment of adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). 1.1 Previously Untreated Mantle Cell Lymphoma CALQUENCE in combination with bendamustine and rituximab is indicated for the treat...

CALQUENCE Patents & Exclusivity

Latest Patent: Jun 2036
Exclusivity: Jan 2028

Patents (61 active)

US11059829 Expires Jul 1, 2036
US9796721 Expires Jul 1, 2036
US10167291 Expires Jul 1, 2036
US10272083 Expires Jan 21, 2035
US11771696 Expires Jan 21, 2035
US9758524 Expires Jul 11, 2032
US10239883 Expires Jul 11, 2032
US9290504 Expires Jul 11, 2032
US7459554 Expires Nov 24, 2026
+ 51 more patents

Exclusivity

I-960 Until Jan 2028
I-960 Until Jan 2028
ODE-274 Until Nov 2026
Source: FDA Orange Book

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Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.