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mercaptopurine tablet

National Cancer Institute (NCI) · Phase 3 active Small molecule

mercaptopurine tablet is a Purine analog antimetabolite Small molecule drug developed by National Cancer Institute (NCI). It is currently in Phase 3 development for Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Also known as: 6-mercaptopurine, 6-MP, Leukerin, MP.

Mercaptopurine is a purine analog that inhibits nucleotide synthesis and DNA replication, leading to cell death in rapidly dividing cells.

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 namemercaptopurine tablet
Also known as6-mercaptopurine, 6-MP, Leukerin, MP, 6-MP Oral Suspension
SponsorNational Cancer Institute (NCI)
Drug classPurine analog antimetabolite
TargetHypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT), thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT), and purine synthesis pathway enzymes
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaOncology
PhasePhase 3

Mechanism of action

Mercaptopurine is converted intracellularly to active metabolites that inhibit both de novo and salvage pathways of purine synthesis, thereby depleting cellular nucleotide pools and preventing DNA synthesis. This mechanism is particularly effective against leukemic and lymphoid cells, which have high proliferation rates. The drug also has immunosuppressive properties due to its effects on lymphocyte proliferation.

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 tablet

What is mercaptopurine tablet?

mercaptopurine tablet is a Purine analog antimetabolite drug developed by National Cancer Institute (NCI), indicated for Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

How does mercaptopurine tablet work?

Mercaptopurine is a purine analog that inhibits nucleotide synthesis and DNA replication, leading to cell death in rapidly dividing cells.

What is mercaptopurine tablet used for?

mercaptopurine tablet is indicated for Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

Who makes mercaptopurine tablet?

mercaptopurine tablet is developed by National Cancer Institute (NCI) (see full National Cancer Institute (NCI) pipeline at /company/national-cancer-institute-nci).

Is mercaptopurine tablet also known as anything else?

mercaptopurine tablet is also known as 6-mercaptopurine, 6-MP, Leukerin, MP, 6-MP Oral Suspension.

What drug class is mercaptopurine tablet in?

mercaptopurine tablet belongs to the Purine analog antimetabolite class. See all Purine analog antimetabolite drugs at /class/purine-analog-antimetabolite.

What development phase is mercaptopurine tablet in?

mercaptopurine tablet is in Phase 3.

What are the side effects of mercaptopurine tablet?

Common side effects of mercaptopurine tablet include Myelosuppression (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia), Nausea and vomiting, Hepatotoxicity, Infection, Mucositis, Diarrhea.

What does mercaptopurine tablet target?

mercaptopurine tablet targets Hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT), thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT), and purine synthesis pathway enzymes and is a Purine analog antimetabolite.

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