<<STI-571 is truly remarkable. And unlikely to have come from a biotech, IMO. Novartis was in the kinase game big and early.>>
Actually, imo, it is more important that this was first drug which rise from basic gene research, from ground zero. Something which is missing in DNA her-2 neu Herceptin.
NVS first pinpoint to specific chromosome, Philadelphia chromosome, that to single gene which was defected, and than that specific Tyr Kin was involved, Abl. Rest is routine. Bit of lack (this kinase is specific and unique, Bcr-Abl), bit of pharma-chemistry and ....
Regards the solid tumor, seams that STI-571 is also PDGF and Kit kinase inhibitor, which may be relevant for NSCLC. Abl kinase isn't important for solid tumor. However, this PDGF/Kin activity rise possibility for side effects.
Miljenko |
