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Mercaptopurine, Imatinib

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · Phase 3 active Small molecule

Mercaptopurine, Imatinib is a Purine analog antimetabolite and tyrosine kinase inhibitor combination Small molecule drug developed by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. It is currently in Phase 3 development for Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL), Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

Mercaptopurine and imatinib work together as a combination therapy: mercaptopurine is a purine analog that inhibits nucleotide synthesis to kill rapidly dividing cells, while imatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks BCR-ABL and other oncogenic kinases.

Mercaptopurine and imatinib work together as a combination therapy: mercaptopurine is a purine analog that inhibits nucleotide synthesis to kill rapidly dividing cells, while imatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks BCR-ABL and other oncogenic kinases. Used for Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL), Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

At a glance

Generic nameMercaptopurine, Imatinib
SponsorSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Drug classPurine analog antimetabolite and tyrosine kinase inhibitor combination
TargetPurine metabolism enzymes (mercaptopurine); BCR-ABL, c-KIT, PDGFR (imatinib)
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaOncology
PhasePhase 3

Mechanism of action

Mercaptopurine is a thiopurine antimetabolite that interferes with purine metabolism and DNA synthesis, making it effective against leukemias and lymphomas. Imatinib selectively inhibits the BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase fusion protein characteristic of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL), as well as other kinases like c-KIT and PDGFR. The combination targets both the metabolic vulnerability and the specific oncogenic driver mutations in leukemic cells.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

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SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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Frequently asked questions about Mercaptopurine, Imatinib

What is Mercaptopurine, Imatinib?

Mercaptopurine, Imatinib is a Purine analog antimetabolite and tyrosine kinase inhibitor combination drug developed by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, indicated for Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL), Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

How does Mercaptopurine, Imatinib work?

Mercaptopurine and imatinib work together as a combination therapy: mercaptopurine is a purine analog that inhibits nucleotide synthesis to kill rapidly dividing cells, while imatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks BCR-ABL and other oncogenic kinases.

What is Mercaptopurine, Imatinib used for?

Mercaptopurine, Imatinib is indicated for Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL), Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

Who makes Mercaptopurine, Imatinib?

Mercaptopurine, Imatinib is developed by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (see full St. Jude Children's Research Hospital pipeline at /company/st-jude-children-s-research-hospital).

What drug class is Mercaptopurine, Imatinib in?

Mercaptopurine, Imatinib belongs to the Purine analog antimetabolite and tyrosine kinase inhibitor combination class. See all Purine analog antimetabolite and tyrosine kinase inhibitor combination drugs at /class/purine-analog-antimetabolite-and-tyrosine-kinase-inhibitor-combination.

What development phase is Mercaptopurine, Imatinib in?

Mercaptopurine, Imatinib is in Phase 3.

What are the side effects of Mercaptopurine, Imatinib?

Common side effects of Mercaptopurine, Imatinib include Myelosuppression (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia), Nausea and vomiting, Hepatotoxicity, Infection, Fluid retention (imatinib-related), Muscle cramps (imatinib-related).

What does Mercaptopurine, Imatinib target?

Mercaptopurine, Imatinib targets Purine metabolism enzymes (mercaptopurine); BCR-ABL, c-KIT, PDGFR (imatinib) and is a Purine analog antimetabolite and tyrosine kinase inhibitor combination.

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