Generic version of Gleevec to hit U.S. market
A generic equivalent to Gleevec, imatinib mesylate tablets that treat chronic myeloid leukemia, will now be available in the U.S. for multiple purposes approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Gleevec is manufactured by Jerusalem-based Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, who brought in more than $19 billion in revenue in 2015, the company said in a statement.
The generic tablets can treat leukemia in adults and children that are Philadelphia chromosome positive. It can be used for when the disease has recurred or does not respond to other treatment methods. It’s generally used as the first treatment for children after the disease is diagnosed.
It can also treat gastrointestinal stromal tumors, systemic mastocytosis and neoplasms.