What is Imatinib?

[medixocentre]

Imatinib is the first thyrokinase inhibitor available for clinical use. Its main action lies in selectively blocking cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis in cells that express Philadelphia chromosome (Ph+) and harbor the Bcr-Abl thyrokinase, an abnormality that causes chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Imatinib is indicated for the treatment of patients with CML in blast crisis in the accelerated phase or chronic phase after failure of treatment with IFN-alpha.