Taiwan Scientists Find Gene Key To Gleevec Resistance
This article was originally published in PharmAsia News
Executive Summary
Taiwanese researchers report discovery of a gene that could lead to new drugs to treat leukemia. The scientists looked specifically at alternatives for treating chronic myelogenous leukemia, currently treated with the Novartis drug Gleevec (imatinib mesylate) to extend lives as long as 15 years. Many patients become resistant to Gleevec, the researchers said, because of the drug's suppression of a certain gene, suggesting another drug, perhaps an existing and cheaper one, could be used to allow the gene to do its work. (Click here for more