Does Novartis make Gleevec?

Pharmaceutical companies have for years been under pressure over the pricing of their drugs, and one of the most high-profile cases is Novartis’ Gleevec, a miracle drug dubbed a breakthrough in cancer treatment for CML.

Who is the manufacturer of Gleevec?

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries has announced the launch of a generic version of imatinib mesylate, which is currently manufactured by Novartis and is sold under the brand name Gleevec.

What is the brand name for Gleevec?

Gleevec is the trade name for the generic drug name Imatinib Mesylate. STI-571 is another name for Imatinib Mesylate. In some cases, health care professionals may use the trade name Gleevec or other name STI-571 when referring to the generic drug name Imatinib Mesylate.

How expensive is Gleevec?

The cost for Gleevec oral tablet 100 mg is around $8,808 for a supply of 90 tablets, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Prices are for cash paying customers only and are not valid with insurance plans.

Why did Novartis increase the price of Gleevec?

Furthermore, Novartis’ pricing strategy with respect to Gleevec was not exceptional. Gleevec is a specialty drug. And, since 2000 the biggest driver of prescription drug cost growth has been specialty pharmaceuticals. Specialty drug spending has risen by close to 15% annually.

What was the price of the cancer drug Gleevec?

(AP Photo/Carrie Antlfinger) Several years ago, a group of oncologists penned an editorial on drug prices, with Gleevec (imatinib mesylate), the groundbreaking tyrosine kinase inhibitor, as their illustration of egregious pricing practices. This sparked a nationwide conversation on cancer drug prices and value.

What to do if pharmacy does not stock Gleevec?

Novartis is committed to making sure branded GLEEVEC is available, but we can’t control what medications individual pharmacies stock. If a patient’s pharmacy doesn’t stock branded GLEEVEC, they can ask the pharmacy to special order it, which usually can be delivered in a day.

How does Gleevec ( imatinib ) work in the body?

Gleevec, known generically as imatinib, works by slowing or stopping the growth of certain cancer cells. Gleevec inhibits (or blocks) specific enzymes in the body called tyrosine kinases.