The T315I point mutation is attracting significant attention globally as T315I expressing cells are resistant to Novartis’ tyrosine kinase inhibitor, Gleevec, meaning chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients who develop this mutation no longer respond to Gleevec.
In addition, preliminary data suggest that CML patients with the T315I point mutation also fail to respond to treatment with either of two second generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors currently in clinical development.
“CML patients typically develop genetic mutations as their disease progresses, requiring accurate and reliable molecular diagnosis to determine if alternative therapies or a combination of drugs might be needed, as well as to fully assess the efficacy of their treatment,” said Dr Greg Collier, ChemGenex CEO.