Safety Of Generic Imatinib Research Articles

A MULTICENTER NON-INFERIORITY STUDY OF EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF GENERIC IMATINIB IN CHRONIC MYELOID LEUKEMIA – FINAL ANALYSIS

This study aimed to evaluate efficacy and safety of generic imatinib (IM) compared to branded imatinib (Glivec) in chronic myeloid leukemia. The primary end-point was the achievement of a major molecular response (MMR) at 12 months and safety. Secondary end-points included response evaluation, overall (OS), event-free survival (EFS) progression-free survival (PFS) and toxicity. Ambispective, multicenter, observational, non-inferiority study, in newly diagnosed Brazilian patients with chronic phase CML patients treated with IM in first line. The historic cohort consisted of CML patients treated with branded IM (Glivec) from January 2010 to December 2011 and the prospective cohort was treated with generics between January 2015 and December 2018. A total of 493 cases (214 Glivec and 279 Generic) from 10 centers were enrolled, and 393 (80%) patients were eligible for analysis (Glivec = 163; Generics = 230). EFS was measured from the start of treatment until loss of complete hematologic response, loss of major cytogenetic response, progression to accelerated or blast crisis, no response or insufficient response to study therapy, after a predefined period of time or death from any cause at any time during initial therapy or permanent discontinuation of IM by adverse events. The median age was 45 and 49 years in Glivec and Generics groups, respectively (p = 0.056). Sokal score stratification in Glivec and generic groups, was respectively: low risk 50/50%; intermediate risk 49/38% and high risk 12/22% (p = 0.05). E14a2 (b3a2) frequency was 63% vs. 52% in Glivec and Generic group, respectively, and e13a2 (b2a2) 36% in both groups, e14a2+e13a2 were 1% vs. 12% (p = 0.005). There was no significant difference in gender, Eutos score and ECOG. The median time between diagnosis and treatment starting was 40 (0-169) and 28 (0-168) days (Glivec vs. Generics, respectively), p = 0.17. MMR rate at 12 months was 77/142 (54%) and 88/145 (61%) in Glivec and generics groups, respectively (p = 0.26). There were more failures in the generics group at 6 months (21% vs. 14%) (p = 0.03, respectively). There was no difference in grade 3-4 hematological and non-hematological toxicity in in the first 12 months. EFS at 24 months were higher in Glivec cohort and 76% vs. 53%, p < 0.0001, respectively), PFS and OS was not significantly different (respectively: 96% vs. 93%, p = 0.09 and 97% vs 96%, p = 0.41). The independent risk factors associated with inferior EFS were: generics use (HR = 1.78; 95%CI 1.06-2.99; p = 0.02) and High Sokal index (HR 2.25; 95%CI 1.38-3.67; p = 0.001). In the intention to treat analysis there was no significant difference in the primary end-point (MMR and safety at 12 months). The generics cohort presented more failures at 6 months compared to branded imatinib and inferior 24 month-EFS. There was no difference in the 24-month OS and PFS. The interpretation of the results should take into consideration the differences in CML management over the years.

Efficacy and Safety of Generic Imatinib after Switching from Innovator Imatinib in Patients Treated for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Introduction: Imatinib mesylate is standard therapy for patients (pts) with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). In February 2016 a generic formulation was introduced in the US and many patients have migrated to this formulation at the request of their insurance provider. The use of generic drugs can reduce the financial burden on patients. However, since the approval of generic drugs does not generally require comparative studies, physicians and pts are frequently concerned about whether switching from innovator to generic drugs may affect efficacy and/or safety. To address this concern, we analyzed the outcome of pts switched from innovator to generic imatinib for changes in efficacy or adverse event profile.Methods: We reviewed the records of pts diagnosed with CML in chronic phase who were treated with innovator imatinib either in frontline or after interferon from year 2000 to 2017 and were subsequently switched to generic imatinib. After switch we increased the frequency of blood counts and chemistry to every 1-2 months, performed PCR after 3 months and reviewed changes or new adverse events with pts.Results: A total of 24 patients have switched to generic imatinib. Baseline characteristics are summarized in the table 1 below. Most (71%) were receiving imatinib at a dose of 400 mg; in no instance was the dose changed at the time of switching. Before the switch, all patients were in complete cytogenetic remission (CCyR) and major molecular response (MMR), including 15 (63%) with MR4.5. The median duration of innovator imatinib use was 11.9 (2.5-16.7) years. Pts have received generic imatinib for a median of 6 (3-28) months. All pts have maintained the same level of cytogenetic and molecular response they had before the switch. Of all patients, 21 (88%) experienced at least one adverse event while on innovator imatinib, mostly edema in 14 (58%) patients, muscle cramps in 12 (50%), diarrhea in 10 (42%), and nausea and fatigue in 8 (33%) each. Anemia was seen in 9 patients (38%), neutropenia in 1 (4%), thrombocytopenia in 2 (8%), increased creatinine in 2 (8%), and increased bilirubin in 2 (8%) pts. None of the adverse events were grade 3-4. After switching to generic imatinib, 11 (46%) pts reported new or worsening adverse events including 6 (25%) pts with grade 1 edema, 6 (25%) muscle cramps, 6 (25%) nausea, 5 (21%) diarrhea, and 4 (17%) fatigue. New grade 1 anemia occurred in 2 (8%) pts, and a grade 1 transient increase in creatinine levels in 3 (13%) pts (from 1.12 to 1.43, 1.1 to 1.32 and 0.63 to 1.37, respectively). One pt had the dose of generic imatinib reduced from 400 mg to 300 mg due to fatigue and diarrhea after 2 month of switching. One patient skipped 4 doses because of worsening periorbital edema, then resumed without problems. Four patients discontinued treatment with generic imatinib: one had elective discontinuation because of sustained MR4.5, two pts changed back to innovator imatinib because of diarrhea, and 1 pt switched to dasatinib because of grade 1 creatinine elevation; after the switch creatinine level went down from 1.43 to 1.1. All patients are alive and none has progressed.Conclusion: A change to generic imatinib for pts who have been receiving innovator imatinib appears to maintain the response. Although few new adverse events are reported, the change appears to be generally safe. More patients and longer follow-up is required to confirm these observations. [Display omitted] DisclosuresKantarjian:ARIAD: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Bristol-Meyers Squibb: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Delta-Fly Pharma: Research Funding. Burger:Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses; Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie Company: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses, Research Funding; TG Therapeutics: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses; Gilead: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses, Research Funding. Jabbour:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy. Verstovsek:Gilead: Research Funding; CTI BioPharma Corp: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Galena BioPharma: Research Funding; Bristol Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; NS Pharma: Research Funding; Promedior: Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Astrazeneca: Research Funding; NS Pharma: Research Funding; Blueprint Medicines Corp: Research Funding; Blueprint Medicines Corp: Research Funding; CTI BioPharma Corp: Research Funding; Bristol Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Promedior: Research Funding; Lilly Oncology: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Astrazeneca: Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Lilly Oncology: Research Funding; Galena BioPharma: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding. Cortes:Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; ImmunoGen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sun Pharma: Research Funding; ARIAD: Consultancy, Research Funding; Teva: Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation: Consultancy, Research Funding.

Efficacy and safety profile of generic imatinib in patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia-chronic phase: sharing experience of a hemato-oncology center from eastern India.

In India, CML is the commonest adult leukemia. Imatinib is the gold standard for frontline treatment of newly diagnosed CML-CP patients. The present study was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of generic imatinib in newly diagnosed CML-CP patients. In this prospective study, 76 newly diagnosed CML-CP patients received generic imatinib. They were monitored as per the ELN2013 recommendation. Karyotyping and BCR-ABL transcript level were done at specified time points. Adverse effects, if any, were documented as per the NCI-CTCAE criteria v4.03. Statistical analysis was done using standard methods. A total of 76 patients included in the study; median age was 36years. The most common (71%) presenting symptom was fatigue; splenomegaly was found in all patients. CHR was achieved in 97% cases. At 3months, 64.5% patients achieved ERM. At 6months, CCyR and MCyR had seen in 65% and 68% cases, respectively. MMR achieved at 12months in 44% cases. Most common hematological and non-hematological toxicity were anemia and skin changes seen in 89.5% and 71% cases, respectively. With generic imatinib therapy, the results of treatment outcome and safety profile were comparable with original imatinib. The added advantage was gross reduction in cost of therapy meeting unmet needs in CML patients in countries with resource constraints.

Comparable Efficacy and Safety of Generic Imatinib and Branded Imatinib in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Chronic Myeloid Leukemia With a Consideration of Socioeconomic Characteristics: A Retrospective Study From a Single Center

IntroductionTo compare the efficacy and safety of generic and branded imatinib in adults with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia in the chronic phase (CML-CP), we retrospectively reviewed data from patients CML-CP who received generic or branded imatinib. Patients and MethodsA propensity score matching (PSM) study was performed. A Cox regression model was used to identify factors associated with responses and outcomes. ResultsFour hundred forty-two adults receiving generic imatinib (n = 236) or Glivec (Novartis, Basel, Switzerland; n = 206) were included. There were more patients with rural household registration (P < .001), lower education level (P < .001), divorced or widowed status (P = .009), higher white blood cell counts (P = .019), splenomegaly (P < .001), and longer intervals from diagnosis to imatinib initiation (P = .033) in the generic cohort. During the follow-up, there was no significant difference between the 2 cohorts in the 4-year probabilities of achieving a complete cytogenetic response (97.0% vs. 97.3%; P = .736), major molecular response (87.8% vs. 90.1%; P = .113), and molecular response4.5 (32.5% vs. 38.8%; P = .186), as well as failure-free survival (77.3% vs. 81.4%; P = .313), progression-free survival (94.4% vs. 95.8%; P = .489), and overall survival (96.8% vs. 98.3%; P = .088). Multivariate analyses showed that the drug type was not associated with responses and outcomes. After the PSM procedure, 177 pairs of patients with comparable baseline characteristics were reanalyzed. Multivariate analyses confirmed that generic or branded imatinib used as first-line therapy was not associated with either responses or outcomes. ConclusionSociodemographic characteristics might influence the tyrosine kinase inhibitor that patients chose. Generic and branded imatinib as first-line therapy had comparable efficacy and safety in CML-CP patients.

Efficacy and Safety of Generic Imatinib in Chronic Phase of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CP-CML): Experience from a Multi-Center in China

Background: Imatinib is the first TKI that was officially approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of patients (pts) with CP-CML and it is the most commonly used treatment in CML pts on the international scene. Generic imatinib was offered and accessible as frontline treatment of CML in china in June 2013, which predictably lowered the cost of CML therapy. However the statistics regarding their effectiveness and tolerability in greater proportion of the population of CML pts are not available. (ClinicalTrials. gov number, NCT02317159.) Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of generic imatinib in the treatment of pts that were newly diagnosed with CP-CML. Methods: In this multi-center, prospective open-label study, 75 pts with CP-CML were enrolled to receive generic imatinib mesylate capsules at a dose of 400 mg once daily. The primary end point was major molecular response (MMR) by 12 months. Imatinib plasma level and adverse events (AEs) were assessed. Results: The Median age at diagnosis was 46 years (range 19-75 years), and 50 pts (66.7%) were male. The median follow-up was 22.1 (range0.5-24) months. 35 pts (44%), 26 pts (34.7%) and 12 pts (16%) were in low, intermediate and high risk group, respectively, according to Sokal prognostic score (Not available in 2 pts). By 12 months, the cumulative rate of MMR (BCR-ABL1IS ≤0.1%) was 42.7% (32/75), and the cumulative rate of complete cytogenic response (CCyR) was74.7% (56/75). Complete hematologic response (CHR), CCyR, MMR rate at 3 months,6 months and 12 months were shown in Table 1. For pts who presented with BCR-ABL1 IS≤ 10% at 3 months, had better response as compared with those with BCR/ABL1IS&gt; 10% (Table 2). The estimated progression-free survival at 12 months was 94.7%. Imatinib plasma levels at 29 days on imatinib were variable in individual, with 1522.9±775.3 ng/mL for median level (rang 394.4 to3891 ng/mL). Although those numerical values showed difference, no statistically significant correlations were found between imatinib plasma level and CCyR or MMR(P=0.902;P=0.349). The incidents and profile of AEs were similar to those reported previously. Conclusion: This study confirmed that generic imatinib produced in China is effective and well-tolerated in Chinese CP-CML pts. The outcome of generic imatinib in the treatment of CP-CML is similar to brand imatinib reported in the literatures. The introduction of generic imatinib at a reduced and affordable cost may strikingly impact the cost of care for CML and improve the clinical outcomes of CML in China. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Generic Versus Branded Imatinib As Frontline Therapy in Chronic-Phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients in Italy: A Case-Control Study

Introduction. Imatinib is the most commonly used frontline drug in chronic phase (CP) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients worldwide. In early 2017 a generic formulation of imatinib was introduced in Italy and uniformly replaced branded imatinib (Glivec®), upon requirement of regional health authorities. In the last years various groups reported on the efficacy and safety of generic imatinib with conflicting results, partly related to substandard pharmaceutical quality of some products used in developing countries. In a multicenter cohort of 294 patients treated in Italy with branded imatinib for at least 6 months and then switched to generic imatinib we observed that the majority of patients maintained or improved their molecular response. Here, we analyzed patients who received generic imatinib since diagnosis. Aims. To analyze the rates of molecular responses at 3, 6 and 12 months and of treatment discontinuation in CML patients treated frontline with generic imatinib, compared to a case-matched historical cohort of CML patients who received frontline branded imatinib at our institutions. Methods. We analyzed 31 newly diagnosed CP-CML patients consecutively enrolled in a prospective observational registry between January 2017 and July 2018, treated frontline with generic imatinib 400 mg/day (diverse manufacturers) and evaluable for all the ELN2013 molecular milestones (if not discontinued earlier). They were compared to a retrospective cohort of 31 patients, matched for age, gender, and Sokal risk, diagnosed between 2007 and 2014 and treated with branded imatinib 400 mg/day for at least 24 months before eventual switching to a generic formulation. Definitions of molecular responses were made according to the ELN2013 recommendations. Results. A total of 62 patients were included in the analysis: 31 patients (21 males and 10 females) treated with generic imatinib ("cases") and 31 treated with branded imatinib ("controls"). Median age at diagnosis of the cases was 68 years (range 33-89), Sokal score was low/intermediate/high in 8 (26%), 19 (61%) and 4 (13%) patients, respectively. The controls were matched for gender, age (+/- 4 years, median age 68, range 35-85) and Sokal score. As median follow-up time for the cases was 18.6 months (range 2.2-28.5), controls were censored at 24 months after imatinib start. Optimal molecular response at 3 months was attained in 23/30 (76.7%) cases and in 18/29 (62%) controls (p=0.35); one case died after 2 months of imatinib therapy for a CML-unrelated cause, while 2 controls were molecularly not evaluable. At 6 months, 17/29 (58.6%) cases and 17/30 (56.7%) controls achieved BCR/ABL transcript &lt;1%, respectively (p=1). At 12 months, MMR was attained by 14/30 (46.7%) cases and by 13/29 (44.8%) controls (p=1). Twelve out of 31 patients (38.7%) permanently discontinued generic imatinib due to warning/failure response (n=6), intolerance (n=4) or death while on treatment at 2 and 13 months (meningoencephalitis of unknown origin and cardiovascular event, respectively). Among patients treated with branded imatinib, 12/31 (38.7%) stopped within the 24th month of therapy for resistance (n=8), intolerance (n=3) or death at 16 months (acute renal failure). No patient receiving generic imatinib progressed to advanced phase, while one control developed a blast crisis at 6 months of branded imatinib and deceased shortly after. Estimated overall survival at 24 months in cases and controls was 92.5% and 93.1%, respectively. Conclusions. Our preliminary data suggest an equivalent efficacy of generic imatinib compared to a matched population of historical patients treated with the originator drug in Italy. A continue pharmacovigilance by reporting efficacy and safety outcomes of generic drugs is needed to ensure an optimal management of CML patients. Disclosures Bonifacio: Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Amgen: Honoraria; Incyte: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria. Tiribelli:Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Krampera:Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Experience of Generic Imatinib As a First Line Therapy for Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in a Single Reference Institution

Background: The treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) was revolutionized by the approval of Gleevec (imatinib mesylate) by the FDA in 2001. In low-middle-income countries, due to economic issues related to the high cost of this treatment, scientific governmental entities started to produce and release a generic imatinib in 2013. High quality data about the security profile and efficacy of generic imatinib treatment are still needed. Aims: We herein aimed to evaluate the 6 years follow up of CML patients treated with generic imatinib as first line therapy. Patients and Methods: We evaluated a retrospective cohort of 39 patients diagnosed with CML at a single institution, during the period between December 2001 and July 2019, that had used only generic formulation of imatinib since diagnosis; and analyzed their rate of response to treatment as a primary goal and adverse events and survival outcomes as secondary goals. Responses were evaluated according to ELN 2013. Event-free survival and overall survival were measured from starting date of treatment until: loss of molecular response or death from any cause, and until death from any cause or last seen, respectively. Results: The cohort of 39 patients treated with generic imatinib as first line therapy was composed of 23 men (59%) and 16 women (41%), with median age at diagnosis of 52 years (16-74). The median follow up time was 24 months (8-68), and the median duration of generic imatinib therapy was 19 months (5 - 68). Most of the patients were diagnosed at chronic phase (92%), with only 2 accelerated phase and 1 myeloid blast crisis. Risk stratification according to Eutos, Sokal and Hasford score was low in 92%, 67% and 80%; intermediate in 0%, 30% and 6% and high in 8%, 3% and 14%, respectively. Six different brands of generic imatinib were used (Cristalia, Instituto Vital Brasil, FURP, EMS, Fiocruz and Eurofarma); the most frequently used were Cristalia and Instituto Vital Brasil. The median number of brands used per patient was 2 (1-5). Patients received 400 mg of generic imatinib daily; the dose was increased to 600 mg in 4 patients due to sub-optimal response during follow up. The rate of hematologic response with treatment was 97% and median time to reach it was 1 month (1-7). The rate of response at 3, 6 and 12 months was 74%, 60%, and 92% for optimal cytogenetic response, and 69%, 61%, and 26% for optimal molecular response. The probability to reach deep molecular response at each year of follow up was 41% at 1st year, 52% at 2nd year, 46% at 3rd year, 50% at 4th year, 50% at 5th year, and 50% at 6th year. The probability to reach a molecular response 4.5 at each year of follow up was 10% at 1st year, 23% at 2nd year, 30% at 3rd year, 50% at 4th year, 50% at 5th year, and 50% at 6th year. Hematologic toxicities were frequent during the first three months of therapy. Reported non-hematologic adverse events were hypophosphatemia (62%), diarrhea (30%), cramps (30%), liver toxicity (28%), nausea (18%), bone pain (18%), edema (15%), rash (8%), and hypomagnesaemia (2.5%). Eight percent of patients evolved with deterioration of renal function during the treatment period, but its relationship with generic imatinib was not well established. Two patients (5%) needed a dose reduction because of adverse events. Eight (20.5%) patients switched to second line tyrosine-kinase inhibitors, five (13%) due to resistance and three (8%) due to side effects (severe hepatotoxicity, diarrhea, and rash). Three patients progressed after switching to another tyrosine kinase inhibitor. After a median follow up of 24 months, the event free survival rate was 80% and the overall survival rate was 100%. Conclusion: The rate of complete cytogenetic response, resistance, and intolerance after use of generic imatinib was not worse than the rates described in the long-term follow up of the IRIS trial (N Engl J Med 2017; 376:917-927). Deep molecular response rates seen in the cohort of patients on generic imatinib were inferior to the ones in the IRIS trial, but overall survival was not impacted. Hypophosphatemia was observed in a high percentage of patients, although it has not been reported in other cohorts on generic imatinib. Prospective randomized studies are needed to allow better conclusions regarding the comparative efficacy and safety of generic imatinib. Disclosures Figueiredo-Pontes: Novartis: Honoraria.

Efficacy and safety of generic imatinib after switching from original imatinib in patients treated for chronic myeloid leukemia in the United States.

IntroductionImatinib is standard therapy for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). In February 2016, a generic formulation entered the US market. Physicians and patients are frequently concerned about whether switching from original to generic drugs may affect the efficacy and/or safety.Materials and methodsThis is an observational retrospective study using medical charts of patients diagnosed with CML in the chronic phase who were treated with original imatinib from the year 2000 to 2017 and who were subsequently switched to generic imatinib.ResultsIn this study, 38 patients have switched to generic imatinib. Before the switch, responses were assessed on all patients, all of them were in CCyR and 36 (95%) were in MMR, including 28 (74%) with MR4.5. Patients have received generic imatinib for a median of 19.4 (range, 3.4‐46.3) months. Molecular responses after switching were stable in 89%, improved in 8%, and worsened in 3% of patients. After switching, 15 (39%) patients reported new or worsening adverse events, including 5 (13%) patients with edema, 8 (21%) muscle cramps, 7 (18%) nausea, 6 (16%) diarrhea, and 5 (13%) fatigue.DiscussionBioequivalence studies demonstrated the same rate and extent of absorption of generic imatinib compared to the original form, which led to the FDA approval. In our observational series, most of the patients maintained their responses and none lost MMR. Adverse events noted were mild and well tolerated.ConclusionA change from original to generic imatinib appears to maintain efficacy and be generally safe. More patients and longer follow‐up are required to confirm these observations.

A retrospective analysis of the efficacy and safety of imatinib in children with chronic myeloid leukemia during chronic phase

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of imatinib in the treatment of newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia during chronic phase (CML-CP) in children and to analyze the difference of the efficacy and safety between imported original imatinib (Gleevec) and domestic generic imatinib (Xinwei). Methods: Clinical data of 35 children with newly diagnosed CML-CP in Beijing Children's Hospital from January 2014 to January 2018 were collected, among which 15 cases were treated with the imported original imatinib (original drug group) and 20 cases were treated with the domestic generic imatinib (generic drug group). The hematological, cytogenetic and molecular reactions and safety of the treatments were monitored at months 3, 6 and 12. Chi square test or rank sum test was used for the comparison between two groups. Results: A total of 35 cases were treated for over 3 months, 31 cases were treated for over 6 months and 25 cases were treated for over 12 months. At 3 months, main cytogenetic response was obtained in 15 (100%) cases in the original drug group and 16 (80%) cases in the generic drug group respectively (χ(2)=3.387, P=0.119). At 6 months, complete cytogenetic response was obtained in 12 (80%) cases in the original drug group and 10 (63%) cases in the generic drug group (χ(2)=1.435, P=0.390). At 12 months, BCR-ABL(IS) ≤ 0.1% was obtained in 11 (92%) cases in the original drug group and 10 (77%) cases in the generic drug group (χ(2)=1.009, P=0.593). There was no significant difference at all stages (all P>0.05). Hematologic toxicity occurred in 7(20%) cases. The non-hematologic adverse reactions include nausea in 8 (23%) cases, pain in 8 (23%) cases, edema in 6 (17%) cases, emesis in 2 (6%) cases, fever in 2 (6%) cases, weakness in 1 (3%) case, rash in 1 (3%) case. The adverse reactions were easy to control and no drug toxicity related deaths occurred. There was no significant difference in the adverse reactions between original drug group and generic drug group (P>0.05). Conclusions: Imatinib had a good efficacy and safety in the early treatment of newly diagnosed CML-CP in children. The efficacy and safety of generic imatinib is similar to that of imported imatinib.

Generic Imatinib Therapy Among Jordanians: An Observational Assessment of Efficacy and Safety in Routine Clinical Practice.

Generic imatinib therapy is being globally considered owing to cost considerations. However, evidence of its efficacy and safety in Middle Eastern clinical settings is scarce. The efficacy and safety of generic imatinib (Cemivil) were assessed among Jordanian patients diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia using an observational, multicenter, prospective study design. Responses were defined using European LeukemiaNet 2009 guidelines and assessed by complete blood counts, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. All patients (N= 91) were adults with chronic myeloid leukemia treated with generic imatinib 400 mg/day. Thirty-three patients received generic imatinib as first-line therapy, and 58 switched from patented imatinib to generic imatinib after a median of 4.5 years (range, 0.5-13.6 years) of imatinib therapy. The majority (85%; n= 28) of the first-line patients achieved complete hematologic response within 3 months of starting generic imatinib therapy (100% after 6 months [n= 33]). The 12-month major molecular response rate in the intention-to-treat population was 45%. The 12-month major molecular response rate was 88% for patients who switched therapy. The 12-month progression-free and overall survival rates were 92% and 100%, respectively. Most (85%; n=144) adverse events were mild. Frequencies of drug-related adverse events were similar to patented imatinib. This study suggests that the efficacy and safety of generic imatinib in this Middle Eastern population in routine clinical practice are comparable to patented imatinib, and to that of the global population.

Generic imatinib therapy among Jordanians: An observational assessment of safety and efficacy in routine clinical practice.

e18548 Background: Generic imatinib therapy is being globally considered due to cost considerations. Evidence about its efficacy and safety in developing country settings, however, is scarce. Methods: The efficacy and safety of generic imatinib among Jordanian patients diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) was assessed utilizing an observational, multicenter, prospective study design. All patients (N = 91) were adults with CML treated with generic imatinib, mainly 400 mg/day, who either received generic imatinib (n = 33) as first-line therapy “first-line patients “or switched from patented imatinib to generic imatinib “switched patients” (n = 58). The primary objective was to measure proportions (95% Confidence Interval (CI)) of optimal response for first-line and switched patients at 12 months of treatment with generic imatinib, as defined in the 2009 ELN guidelines (CCyR [no Ph+ metaphases], or MMR [a ratio of BCR-ABL1 to ABL1 ≤0.1% on the International Scale]) and assessed by complete blood counts, fluorescence in situ hybridization and real-time quantitative PCR. Results: A total of 84.8% (n = 28/33) of the first-line patients achieved complete hematologic response (CHR) within 3 months of starting generic imatinib therapy (100% after 6 months). Out of the 23 evaluable first-line patients, [(87%, 95% CI = 73% - 100%), (n = 20)] in the per-protocol population (60.6 %, 95% CI = 51% - 86%) of the 33 patients in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population) achieved an optimal response at 12 months. All 58 switched patients had CHR at enrollment. Out of the 55 evaluable switched patients, [(96.4%, 95% CI = 91%-100%), (n = 53)] in the PP population (91.4%, 95% CI = 83%-98%) of the 58 patients in the ITT population) gained or maintained an optimal response at 12 months after switching to generic imatinib therapy. Most (84.7%, n = 144 out of 170) adverse events (AEs) were mild. Frequencies of drug-related AEs were similar to patented imatinib. Conclusions: Efficacy and safety of generic imatinib among middle eastern population in routine clinical practice is comparable to that of patented imatinib, and to that of the global population. Clinical trial information: NCT02977312.

Early efficacy observation of generic imatinib for treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase

Objective To evaluate the cytogenetic, molecular responses and safety of generic imatinib in newly diagnosed patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia in chronic phase (CML-CP) in 1-year at different stages. Methods From January 2014 to November 2014, 50 CML-CP patients received oral generic imatinib 400 mg/d. The cytogenetic examinations, bcr-abl transcript levels and safety were monitored after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months respectively. Results 46 of 50 patients insisted on oral generic imatinib and followed up 1 year. At 3-month, 52.0 % (26/50) patients reached the complete hematologic responses(CHR) rate, and patients at least achieved minor cytogenetic response (mCyR) and bcr-ablIS≤10 % were 84.0 % (42/50) and 42.0 % (21/50). At 6-month, patients at least achieved part cytogenetic response (PCyR) and bcr-ablIS≤10 % were 73.5 % (36/49) and 59.2 % (29/49). At 12-month, patients achieved complete cytogenetic response (CCyR), bcr-ablIS≤1 % and bcr-ablIS≤0.1 % were 60.9 % (28/46), 63.1 % (29/46) and 45.7 % (21/46). The grade 3 leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia rates were 34 % (17/50), 40 % (20/50) and 30 % (15/50), respectively. No grade 4 hematologic toxicity occurred. The common non-hematologic toxicities included edema [84 % (42/50)], nausea [46 % (40/50)], muscle pain [20 % (10/50)], rash [16 % (8/50)], and impaired liver function [8 % (4/50)]. Conclusion Generic imatinib has a favorable effect in treatment of patients with CML-CP, and without serious adverse reactions. Key words: Leukemia, myeloid, chronic; Cytogenetics; Bcr-abl; Generic imatinib