GLEEVEC

GLEEVEC (imatinib mesylate) is an oral small-molecule protein-tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved by the FDA in April 2003 that selectively targets BCR-ABL, the abnormal fusion protein created by the Philadelphia chromosome in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). It also inhibits receptor tyrosine kinases for PDGF and SCF (c-kit), making it effective against gastrointestinal stromal tumors and other malignancies. The drug induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation in BCR-ABL positive cells, with demonstrated efficacy in both chronic phase and blast crisis CML. GLEEVEC represents a paradigm shift in cancer treatment as one of the first targeted therapies and remains a foundational agent across multiple solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.