Imatinib. Novartis

Novartis has launched imatinib, an inhibitor of tyrosine kinases, including Bcr-Abl, for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Imatinib selectively inhibits activation of target proteins involved in cellular proliferation. It also inhibits c-KIT tyrosine kinase activity and is equally effective against both wild-type and constitutively active enzyme. Close correlation between in vitro responses to IFNalpha and imatinib suggested that it may be an alternative to IFNalpha therapy for chronic-phase CML, and the compound has the advantage that it can be administered orally. Futhermore, Bcr-Abl-expressing cells treated with imatinib undergo apoptosis. Imatinib also has potential for the treatment of other cancers that express these kinases, including acute lymphocytic leukemia and certain solid tumors. In February 2002, the FDA approved imatinib for the treatment of inoperable and/or metastatic malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST); in September 2001, launch for the indication was expected in 2002. In November 2000, imatinib was granted Orphan Drug status in Japan for the target indication of Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukemia. By May 2001, imatinib had entered phase II trials for small cell lung cancer, prostate cancer and glioma. Imatinib has been launched in more than 35 countries, including the US, Brazil, Switzerland, Australia and the UK. By December 2001, the drug had also been launched in Japan. The drug is marketed as Gleevec (imatinib mesilate) in the US, and Glivec (imatinib) outside the US. In August 2001, Deutsche Bank estimated sales of SFr 233 million in 2001, rising to SFr 850 million in 2005; while Bear Stearns & Co predicted sales of SFr 250 million in 2001, rising to SFr 800 million in 2005.