Imitab 400 mg (Imatinib) – Advanced Targeted Therapy for Cancer Treatment
Overview
Imitab 400 mg is a premium formulation of Imatinib mesylate, a revolutionary targeted cancer therapy manufactured by Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Ltd. As a protein-tyrosine kinase inhibitor, Imitab provides precise treatment for various oncological conditions, primarily Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).
Available through Saif Pharma, a trusted global supplier of oncology medications since 2014, Imitab represents the cutting edge of accessible cancer treatment options. This medication has transformed the treatment landscape for previously difficult-to-treat cancers, offering patients improved outcomes and quality of life.
Mechanism of Action
Imitab works through a highly specific biological mechanism, inhibiting the bcr-abl tyrosine kinase—the abnormal protein created by the Philadelphia chromosome abnormality found in CML. This targeted approach allows Imitab to:
- Inhibit proliferation of cancerous cells
- Induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in bcr-abl positive cell lines
- Prevent tumor growth in affected tissues
- Block colony formation of leukemic cells
Additionally, Imitab inhibits receptor tyrosine kinases for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and stem cell factor (SCF), known as c-kit. This dual-action mechanism makes it effective against both CML and gastrointestinal stromal tumors, which often express activating c-kit mutations.
Pharmacokinetic Profile
Imitab demonstrates excellent pharmacokinetic properties, making it an effective oral treatment option:
- High Bioavailability: 98% absorption after oral administration
- Rapid Action: Peak concentration (Cmax) achieved within 2-4 hours post-dose
- Extended Half-Life: Approximately 18 hours for Imatinib and 40 hours for its active metabolite
- Predictable Dosing: Linear dose-response relationship with proportional AUC increases
- Steady-State Consistency: Minimal pharmacokinetic changes with repeated dosing
Imitab is primarily metabolized by the CYP3A4 enzyme system, with minor contributions from CYP1A2, CYP2D6, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19. Its main active metabolite, N-demethylated piperazine derivative, maintains similar potency to the parent compound, contributing to the overall therapeutic effect.
Therapeutic Indications
Imitab 400 mg is indicated for multiple oncological conditions:
Primary Indications
- Newly diagnosed adult patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in chronic phase
- Ph+ CML patients in blast crisis, accelerated phase, or chronic phase after interferon-alpha therapy failure
- Pediatric patients with Ph+ CML in chronic phase (newly diagnosed, recurred after stem cell transplant, or interferon-alpha resistant)
- Adult patients with Kit (CD117) positive unresectable and/or metastatic malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)
Additional Indications
- Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) in adults with relapsed or refractory disease
- Myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases (MDS/MPD) associated with PDGFR gene rearrangements
- Aggressive systemic mastocytosis (ASM) without the D816V c-Kit mutation or with unknown c-Kit mutational status
- Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) and/or chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL)
- Unresectable, recurrent and/or metastatic dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP)
Dosage Administration
Imitab dosing is tailored to specific conditions, patient populations, and individual factors:
- Ph+ CML Chronic Phase (Adults): 400 mg/day
- Ph+ CML Accelerated Phase or Blast Crisis (Adults): 600 mg/day
- Ph+ CML (Pediatrics): 340 mg/m²/day or 260 mg/m²/day
- Ph+ ALL (Adults): 600 mg/day
- MDS/MPD (Adults): 400 mg/day
- ASM (Adults): 100 mg/day or 400 mg/day
- HES/CEL (Adults): 100 mg/day or 400 mg/day
- DFSP (Adults): 800 mg/day
- GIST (Adults): 400 mg/day
For patients with hepatic impairment:
- Mild to moderate impairment: 400 mg/day
- Severe hepatic impairment: 300 mg/day
Administration guidelines include:
- Take with meals and a large glass of water
- 400 mg or 600 mg doses: once daily
- 800 mg dose: divided as 400 mg twice daily
- For patients with difficulty swallowing, tablets can be dissolved in water or apple juice
- For daily dosing of 800 mg and above, use the 400 mg tablet to reduce iron exposure
Safety Profile
While generally well-tolerated, patients should be aware of potential side effects:
- Edema and fluid retention
- Gastrointestinal issues (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
- Muscle cramps and musculoskeletal pain
- Skin rash
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
Important precautions include:
- Regular weight monitoring to manage potential fluid retention
- Complete blood counts weekly during the first month of treatment to monitor for cytopenias
- Pregnancy considerations due to potential fetal harm
Product Quality and Availability
Imitab 400 mg is manufactured by Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Ltd., a leading pharmaceutical company in Bangladesh with over 31 years of experience in producing world-class medications. As part of the respected Transcom Group, Eskayef maintains rigorous quality standards across all production processes.
Saif Pharma distributes Imitab to more than 60 countries worldwide, including the United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia, UAE, China, India, and Pakistan. As a specialized oncology medicine platform established in 2014, Saif Pharma is committed to providing high-quality, affordable cancer treatments to patients globally.
Conclusion
Imitab 400 mg (Imatinib) represents a significant advancement in targeted cancer therapy, offering hope to patients with CML, GIST, and other rare cancers. Its precise mechanism of action, favorable pharmacokinetic profile, and well-established efficacy make it a cornerstone treatment for these conditions.
Through the combined expertise of Eskayef Pharmaceuticals in manufacturing and Saif Pharma in global supply, Imitab is accessible to patients worldwide who need this life-changing medication. For healthcare providers and patients seeking effective targeted therapy options, Imitab 400 mg provides a well-researched, clinically proven solution backed by years of therapeutic success.
For more information about Imitab 400 mg or to place an order, visit Saif Pharma at www.saifpharma.com or contact Eskayef Pharmaceuticals at www.skfbd.com.
