Last reviewed · How we verify
6MP
6MP (6-mercaptopurine) is a purine analog that inhibits nucleotide synthesis and DNA replication, leading to cell death in rapidly dividing cells.
6MP (6-mercaptopurine) is a purine analog that inhibits nucleotide synthesis and DNA replication, leading to cell death in rapidly dividing cells. Used for Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
At a glance
| Generic name | 6MP |
|---|---|
| Also known as | mercaptopurine |
| Sponsor | South China Children's Leukemia Group |
| Drug class | Purine analog antimetabolite |
| Target | Hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT), inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
6MP is converted intracellularly to active nucleotide metabolites that inhibit both de novo and salvage pathways of purine synthesis. This results in depletion of purine nucleotides, impaired DNA synthesis, and apoptosis of leukemic and other rapidly proliferating cells. It also has immunosuppressive effects through inhibition of T-cell proliferation.
Approved indications
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
- Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
Common side effects
- Myelosuppression (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia)
- Hepatotoxicity
- Nausea and vomiting
- Mucositis
- Infection
- Secondary malignancy
Key clinical trials
- Testing the Addition of the Anti-cancer Drug Venetoclax and/or the Anti-cancer Immunotherapy Blinatumomab to the Usual Chemotherapy Treatment for Infants With Newly Diagnosed KMT2A-rearranged or KMT2A-non-rearranged Leukemia (PHASE2)
- A Study to Investigate Blinatumomab in Combination With Chemotherapy in Patients With Newly Diagnosed B-Lymphoblastic Leukemia (PHASE3)
- Pediatric-Inspired Regimen Combined With Venetoclax and Immunotherapy for Adult Ph-Negative Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (NA)
- Blinatumomab and Combination Chemotherapy or Dasatinib, Prednisone, and Blinatumomab in Treating Older Patients With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (PHASE2)
- Capizzi Escalating Methotrexate Versus High Dose Methotrexate in Children With Newly Diagnosed T-cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma (T-LBL) (PHASE3)
- LBL-2016 for Children or Adolescents in China (PHASE3)
- Asparaginase Erwinia Chrysanthemi With Chemotherapy for the Treatment of High-Risk Adults With Newly Diagnosed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia or Lymphoblastic Lymphoma (PHASE2)
- Effectiveness of Ozanimod in Patients With Steroid-Dependent Ulcerative Colitis
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- 6MP CI brief — competitive landscape report
- 6MP updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- South China Children's Leukemia Group portfolio CI