Scientists have re-engineered the blockbuster oncology drug Gleevec to eliminate a serious cardiovascular risk, taking a new approach that could offer a significant improvement for "hundreds" of other drugs as well. Gleevec works by targeting the tyrosine kinases involved in cell reproduction, interfering with a key step in the development of cancer. But the drug also interferes with tyrosine kinases in the ABL family, triggering heart problems in some patients. By adding a methyl group to the drug's structure, it will now only affect cell reproduction. Novartis' drug earned $2.6 billion last year.
The scientist Thomas Force told Chemistry World: "The biggest message of this paper is that a cardiotoxic cause can be identified and steered away from. There are hundreds of agents in development that could benefit from this research."
- see the release [1] on Gleevec
- check out the article [2] from Chemistry World
Related Articles:
Gleevec wins new approvals and a warning. Report [3]
Researchers say Gleevec linked to heart damage. Report [4]
Novartis pushes Gleevec for rare cancers. Report [5]
Links:
[1] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/press-releases/press-release-study-re-engineered-gleevec-reduces-heart-risks
[2] http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2007/December/03120703.asp
[3] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/gleevec-wins-new-approvals-and-a-warning/2006-10-20
[4] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/researchers-say-gleevec-linked-to-heart-damage/2006-07-24
[5] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/novartis-pushes-gleevec-for-rare-cancers/2006-04-10