1.1 Newly Diagnosed Philadelphia Positive Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (Ph+ CML)

Newly diagnosed adult and pediatric patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph + CML) in chronic phase.

1.2 Ph+ CML in Blast Crisis (BC), Accelerated Phase (AP) or Chronic Phase (CP) After Interferon-alpha (IFN) Therapy

Patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia in blast crisis, accelerated phase, or in chronic phase after failure of interferon-alpha therapy.

1.3 Adult patients with Ph+ Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

Adult patients with relapsed or refractory Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph + ALL).

1.4 Pediatric patients with Ph+ Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

Pediatric patients with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) in combination with chemotherapy.

1.5 Myelodysplastic/Myeloproliferative Diseases (MDS/MPD)

Adult patients with myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases associated with PDGFR (platelet-derived growth factor receptor) gene re-arrangements.

1.6 Aggressive Systemic Mastocytosis (ASM)

Adult patients with aggressive systemic mastocytosis without the D816V c-Kit mutation or with c-Kit mutational status unknown.

1.7 Hypereosinophilic Syndrome (HES) and/or Chronic Eosinophilic Leukemia (CEL)

Adult patients with hypereosinophilic syndrome and/or chronic eosinophilic leukemia who have the FIP1L1-PDGFR€α fusion kinase (mutational analysis or FISH demonstration of CHIC2 allele deletion) and for patients with HES and/or CEL who are FIP1L1-PDGFRα€ fusion kinase negative or unknown.

1.8 Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP)

Adult patients with unresectable, recurrent and/or metastatic dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.

2.1 Drug Administration

The prescribed dose should be administered orally, with a meal and a large glass of water. Doses of 400 mg or 600 mg should be administered once daily, whereas a dose of 800 mg should be administered as 400 mg twice a day.

For patients unable to swallow the film-coated tablets, the tablets may be dispersed in a glass of water or apple juice. The required number of tablets should be placed in the appropriate volume of beverage (approximately 50 mL for a 100 mg tablet, and 200 mL for a 400 mg tablet) and stirred with a spoon. The suspension should be administered immediately after complete disintegration of the tablet(s).

For daily dosing of 800 mg and above, dosing should be accomplished using the 400 mg tablet to reduce exposure to iron.

Treatment may be continued as long as there is no evidence of progressive disease or unacceptable toxicity.

2.2 Adult Patients with Ph+ CML CP, AP, or BC

The recommended dose of Imatinib Mesylate Tablets is 400 mg/day for adult patients in chronic phase CML and 600 mg/day for adult patients in accelerated phase or blast crisis.

In CML, a dose increase from 400 mg to 600 mg in adult patients with chronic phase disease, or from 600 mg to 800 mg (given as 400 mg twice daily) in adult patients in accelerated phase or blast crisis may be considered in the absence of severe adverse drug reaction and severe non-leukemia related neutropenia or thrombocytopenia in the following circumstances: disease progression (at any time), failure to achieve a satisfactory hematologic response after at least 3 months of treatment, failure to achieve a cytogenetic response after 6 to 12 months of treatment, or loss of a previously achieved hematologic or cytogenetic response.

2.3 Pediatric Patients with Ph+ CML CP

The recommended dose of Imatinib Mesylate Tablets for children with newly diagnosed Ph+ CML is 340 mg/m2/day (not to exceed 600 mg). Imatinib Mesylate Tablets treatment can be given as a once daily dose or the daily dose may be split into two - one portion dosed in the morning and one portion in the evening. There is no experience with Imatinib Mesylate Tablets treatment in children under 1 year of age.

2.4 Adult Patients with Ph+ ALL

The recommended dose of Imatinib Mesylate Tablets is 600 mg/day for adult patients with relapsed/refractory Ph+ ALL.

2.5 Pediatric Patients with Ph+ ALL

The recommended dose of Imatinib Mesylate Tablets to be given in combination with chemotherapy to children with newly diagnosed Ph+ ALL is 340 mg/m2/day (not to exceed 600 mg). Imatinib Mesylate Tablets treatment can be given as a once daily dose.

2.6 Adult Patients with MDS/MPD

Determine PDGFRb gene rearrangements status prior to initiating treatment.

The recommended dose of Imatinib Mesylate Tablets is 400 mg/day for adult patients with MDS/MPD.

2.7 Adult Patients with ASM

Determine D816V c-Kit mutation status prior to initiating treatment.

The recommended dose of Imatinib Mesylate Tablets is 400 mg/day for adult patients with ASM without the D816V c-Kit mutation. If c-Kit mutational status is not known or unavailable, treatment with Imatinib Mesylate Tablets 400 mg/day may be considered for patients with ASM not responding satisfactorily to other therapies. For patients with ASM associated with eosinophilia, a clonal hematological disease related to the fusion kinase FIP1L1-PDGFRα€, a starting dose of 100 mg/day is recommended. Dose increase from 100 mg to 400 mg for these patients may be considered in the absence of adverse drug reactions if assessments demonstrate an insufficient response to therapy.

2.8 Adult Patients with HES/CEL

The recommended dose of Imatinib Mesylate Tablets is 400 mg/day for adult patients with HES/CEL. For HES/CEL patients with demonstrated FIP1L1-PDGFRα€ fusion kinase, a starting dose of 100 mg/day is recommended. Dose increase from 100 mg to 400 mg for these patients may be considered in the absence of adverse drug reactions if assessments demonstrate an insufficient response to therapy.

2.9 Adult Patients with DFSP

The recommended dose of Imatinib Mesylate Tablets is 800 mg/day for adult patients with DFSP.

2.12 Dose Modification Guidelines

2.13 Dose Adjustment for Hepatotoxicity and Non-Hematologic Adverse Reactions

If elevations in bilirubin greater than 3 times the institutional upper limit of normal (IULN) or in liver transaminases greater than 5 times the IULN occur, Imatinib Mesylate Tablets should be withheld until bilirubin levels have returned to a less than 1.5 times the IULN and transaminase levels to less than 2.5 times the IULN. In adults, treatment with Imatinib Mesylate Tablets may then be continued at a reduced daily dose (i.e., 400 mg to 300 mg, 600 mg to 400 mg or 800 mg to 600 mg). In children, daily doses can be reduced under the same circumstances from 340 mg/m2/day to 260 mg/m2/day.

If a severe non-hematologic adverse reaction develops (such as severe hepatotoxicity or severe fluid retention), Imatinib Mesylate Tablets should be withheld until the event has resolved. Thereafter, treatment can be resumed as appropriate depending on the initial severity of the event.

2.14 Dose Adjustment for Hematologic Adverse Reactions

Dose reduction or treatment interruptions for severe neutropenia and thrombocytopenia are recommended as indicated in Table 1.

100 mg film coated tablets

Film-coated tablets, brown, round, debossed with "376" on one side, and "B" with score on the other side.

400 mg film coated tablets

Film-coated capsule shaped brown tablets. One side debossed with "0599" and bisected on the other side.

5.1 Fluid Retention and Edema

Imatinib Mesylate Tablets are often associated with edema and occasionally serious fluid retention [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Weigh and monitor patients regularly for signs and symptoms of fluid retention. Investigate unexpected rapid weight gain carefully and provide appropriate treatment. The probability of edema was increased with higher Imatinib Mesylate Tablets dose and age greater than 65 years in the CML studies. Severe superficial edema was reported in 1.5% of newly diagnosed CML patients taking Imatinib Mesylate Tablets, and in 2%-6% of other adult CML patients taking Imatinib Mesylate Tablets. In addition, other severe fluid retention (e.g., pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, pulmonary edema, and ascites) reactions were reported in 1.3% of newly diagnosed CML patients taking Imatinib Mesylate Tablets, and in 2%-6% of other adult CML patients taking Imatinib Mesylate Tablets. In a randomized trial in patients with newly diagnosed Ph+CML in chronic phase comparing Imatinib Mesylate Tablets and nilotinib, severe (Grade 3 or 4) fluid retention occurred in 2.5% of patients receiving Imatinib Mesylate Tablets and in 3.9% of patients receiving nilotinib 300 mg twice daily. Effusions (including pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, ascites) or pulmonary edema were observed in 2.1% (none were Grade 3 or 4) of patients in the Imatinib Mesylate Tablets arm and 2.2% (0.7% Grade 3 or 4) of patients in the nilotinib 300 mg twice daily arm.

5.2 Hematologic Toxicity

Treatment with Imatinib Mesylate Tablets is associated with anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. Perform complete blood counts weekly for the first month, biweekly for the second month, and periodically thereafter as clinically indicated (for example, every 2 to 3 months). In CML, the occurrence of these cytopenias is dependent on the stage of disease and is more frequent in patients with accelerated phase CML or blast crisis than in patients with chronic phase CML. In pediatric CML patients the most frequent toxicities observed were Grade 3 or 4 cytopenias including neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia. These generally occur within the first several months of therapy [see Dosage and Administration (2.14)].

5.3 Congestive Heart Failure and Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Congestive heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction have been reported in patients taking Imatinib Mesylate Tablets. Cardiac adverse reactions were more frequent in patients with advanced age or co-morbidities including previous medical history of cardiac disease. In an international randomized Phase 3 study in 1,106 patients with newly diagnosed Ph+ CML in chronic phase, severe cardiac failure and left ventricular dysfunction were observed in 0.7% of patients taking Imatinib Mesylate Tablets compared to 0.9% of patients taking IFN + Ara-C. In another randomized trial with newly diagnosed Ph+ CML patients in chronic phase that compared Imatinib Mesylate Tablets and nilotinib, cardiac failure was observed in 1.1% of patients in the Imatinib Mesylate Tablets arm and 2.2% of patients in the nilotinib 300 mg twice daily arm and severe (Grade 3 or 4) cardiac failure occurred in 0.7% of patients in each group. Carefully monitor patients with cardiac disease or risk factors for cardiac or history of renal failure. Evaluate and treat any patient with signs or symptoms consistent with cardiac or renal failure.

5.4 Hepatotoxicity

Hepatotoxicity, occasionally severe, may occur with Imatinib Mesylate Tablets [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Cases of fatal liver failure and severe liver injury requiring liver transplants have been reported with both short-term and long-term use of Imatinib Mesylate Tablets. Monitor liver function (transaminases, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase) before initiation of treatment and monthly, or as clinically indicated. Manage laboratory abnormalities with Imatinib Mesylate Tablets interruption and/or dose reduction [see Dosage and Administration (2.13)]. When Imatinib Mesylate Tablets are combined with chemotherapy, liver toxicity in the form of transaminase elevation and hyperbilirubinemia has been observed. Additionally, there have been reports of acute liver failure. Monitoring of hepatic function is recommended.

5.5 Hemorrhage

In a trial of Imatinib Mesylate Tablets versus IFN+Ara-C in patients with the newly diagnosed CML, 1.8% of patients had Grade 3/4 hemorrhage. In a randomized trial in patients with newly diagnosed Ph+ CML in chronic phase comparing Imatinib Mesylate Tablets and nilotinib, GI hemorrhage occurred in 1.4% of patients in the Imatinib Mesylate Tablets arm, and in 2.9% of patients in the nilotinib 300 mg twice daily arm. None of these events were Grade 3 or 4 in the Imatinib Mesylate Tablets arm; 0.7% were Grade 3 or 4 in the nilotinib 300 mg twice daily arm. In addition, gastric antral vascular ectasia has been reported in postmarketing experience.

5.6 Gastrointestinal Disorders

Imatinib Mesylate Tablets are sometimes associated with GI irritation. Imatinib Mesylate Tablets should be taken with food and a large glass of water to minimize this problem. There have been rare reports, including fatalities, of gastrointestinal perforation.

5.7 Hypereosinophilic Cardiac Toxicity

In patients with hypereosinophilic syndrome with occult infiltration of HES cells within the myocardium, cases of cardiogenic shock/left ventricular dysfunction have been associated with HES cell degranulation upon the initiation of Imatinib Mesylate Tablet therapy. The condition was reported to be reversible with the administration of systemic steroids, circulatory support measures and temporarily withholding Imatinib Mesylate Tablets.

Myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative disease and systemic mastocytosis may be associated with high eosinophil levels. Consider performing an echocardiogram and determining serum troponin in patients with HES/CEL, and in patients with MDS/MPD or ASM associated with high eosinophil levels. If either is abnormal, consider prophylactic use of systemic steroids (1-2 mg/kg) for one to two weeks concomitantly with Imatinib Mesylate Tablets at the initiation of therapy.

5.8 Dermatologic Toxicities

Bullous dermatologic reactions, including erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome, have been reported with use of Imatinib Mesylate Tablets. In some cases of bullous dermatologic reactions, including erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome reported during postmarketing surveillance, a recurrent dermatologic reaction was observed upon rechallenge. Several foreign postmarketing reports have described cases in which patients tolerated the reintroduction of Imatinib Mesylate Tablet therapy after resolution or improvement of the bullous reaction. In these instances, Imatinib Mesylate Tablets were resumed at a dose lower than that at which the reaction occurred and some patients also received concomitant treatment with corticosteroids or antihistamines.

5.9 Hypothyroidism

Clinical cases of hypothyroidism have been reported in thyroidectomy patients undergoing levothyroxine replacement during treatment with Imatinib Mesylate Tablets. Monitor TSH levels in such patients.

5.10 Embryo-fetal Toxicity

Imatinib Mesylate Tablets can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Imatinib mesylate was teratogenic in rats when administered during organogenesis at doses approximately equal to the maximum human dose of 800 mg/day based on body surface area. Significant post-implantation loss was seen in female rats administered imatinib mesylate at doses approximately one-half the maximum human dose of 800 mg/day based on body surface area. Advise sexually active female patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception (methods that result in less than 1% pregnancy rates) when using Imatinib Mesylate Tablets and for 14 days after stopping Imatinib Mesylate Tablets. If this drug is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, apprise the patient of the potential hazard to a fetus [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

5.11 Growth Retardation in Children and Adolescents

Growth retardation has been reported in children and pre-adolescents receiving Imatinib Mesylate Tablets. The long term effects of prolonged treatment with Imatinib Mesylate Tablets on growth in children are unknown. Therefore, monitor growth in children under Imatinib Mesylate Tablet treatment [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

5.12 Tumor Lysis Syndrome

Cases of Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS), including fatal cases, have been reported in patients with CML, ALL and eosinophilic leukemia receiving Imatinib Mesylate Tablets. The patients at risk of TLS are those with tumors having a high proliferative rate or high tumor burden prior to treatment. Monitor these patients closely and take appropriate precautions. Due to possible occurrence of TLS, correct clinically significant dehydration and treat high uric acid levels prior to initiation of Imatinib Mesylate Tablets.

5.13 Impairments Related to Driving and Using Machinery

Motor vehicle accidents have been reported in patients receiving Imatinib Mesylate Tablets. Advise patients that they may experience side effects such as dizziness, blurred vision or somnolence during treatment with Imatinib Mesylate Tablets. Recommend caution when driving a car or operating machinery.

5.14 Renal Toxicity

A decline in renal function may occur in patients receiving Imatinib Mesylate Tablets. Median estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values in patients on Imatinib Mesylate 400 mg daily for newly-diagnosed CML (four randomized trials) and another clinical trial declined from a baseline value of 85 mL/min/1.73m2 (N=1190) to 75 mL/min/1.73m2 at 12 months (N=1082) and 69 mL/min/1.73m2 at 60 months (N=549). Evaluate renal function prior to initiating Imatinib Mesylate Tablets and monitor during therapy, with attention to risk factors for renal dysfunction such as pre-existing renal impairment, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and congestive heart failure.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trial of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

The following additional adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of Imatinib Mesylate Tablets. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: thrombotic microangiopathy

Cardiac Disorders: pericarditis, cardiac tamponade2

Eye Disorders: vitreous hemorrhage

Gastrointestinal Disorders: ileus/intestinal obstruction, tumor hemorrhage/tumor necrosis, gastrointestinal perforation2[see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)], diverticulitis, gastric antral vascular ectasia

Infections: hepatitis B virus reactivation2

Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: avascular necrosis/hip osteonecrosis, rhabdomyolysis/myopathy, growth retardation in children, musculoskeletal pain upon treatment discontinuation (including myalgia, pain in extremity, arthralgia, bone pain)

Nervous System Disorders: cerebral edema2

Reproduction Disorders: hemorrhagic corpus luteum/hemorrhagic ovarian cyst

Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: acute respiratory failure2, interstitial lung disease

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: lichenoid keratosis, lichen planus, toxic epidermal necrolysis, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), pseudoporphyria

Vascular Disorders: thrombosis/embolism, anaphylactic shock

2

Including some fatalities.

7.1 Agents Inducing CYP3A Metabolism

Concomitant administration of Imatinib Mesylate Tablets and strong CYP3A4 inducers may reduce total exposure of imatinib; consider alternative agents [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

7.2 Agents Inhibiting CYP3A Metabolism

Concomitant administration of Imatinib Mesylate Tablets and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors may result in a significant imatinib exposure increase. Grapefruit juice may also increase plasma concentrations of imatinib; avoid grapefruit juice [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

7.3 Interactions with Drugs Metabolized by CYP3A4

Imatinib Mesylate Tablets will increase plasma concentration of CYP3A4 metabolized drugs (e.g., triazolo-benzodiazepines, dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, certain HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, etc.). Use caution when administering Imatinib Mesylate Tablets with CYP3A4 substrates that have a narrow therapeutic window.

Because warfarin is metabolized by CYP2C9 and CYP3A4, use low-molecular weight or standard heparin instead of warfarin in patients who require anticoagulation [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

7.4 Interactions with Drugs Metabolized by CYP2D6

Use caution when administering Imatinib Mesylate Tablets with CYP2D6 substrates that have a narrow therapeutic window.

8.1 Pregnancy

8.2 Lactation

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

8.4 Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of Imatinib Mesylate Tablets have been demonstrated in pediatric patients with newly diagnosed Ph+ chronic phase CML and Ph+ ALL [see Clinical Studies (14.2, 14.4)]. There are no data in children under 1 year of age.

8.5 Geriatric Use

In the CML clinical studies, approximately 20% of patients were older than 65 years. In the study of patients with newly diagnosed CML, 6% of patients were older than 65 years. The frequency of edema was higher in patients older than 65 years as compared to younger patients; no other difference in the safety profile was observed [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. The efficacy of Imatinib Mesylate Tablets was similar in older and younger patients.

8.6 Hepatic Impairment

The effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of both imatinib and its major metabolite, CGP74588, was assessed in 84 patients with cancer with varying degrees of hepatic impairment at imatinib doses ranging from 100 mg to 800 mg.

Mild and moderate hepatic impairment do not influence exposure to imatinib and CGP74588. In patients with severe hepatic impairment, the imatinib Cmax and area under curve (AUC) increased by 63% and 45% and the CGP74588 Cmax and AUC increased by 56% and 55%, relative to patients with normal hepatic function [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Reduce the dose by 25% for patients with severe hepatic impairment [see Dosage and Administration (2.12)].

8.7 Renal Impairment

The effect of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of imatinib was assessed in 59 patients with cancer and varying degrees of renal impairment at single and steady state imatinib doses ranging from 100 to 800 mg/day. The mean exposure to imatinib (dose normalized AUC) in patients with mild and moderate renal impairment increased 1.5- to 2-fold compared to patients with normal renal function. There are not sufficient data in patients with severe renal impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Dose reductions are necessary for patients with moderate and severe renal impairment [see Dosage and Administration (2.12)].

Adult Overdose

Pediatric Overdose

One 3-year-old male exposed to a single dose of 400 mg experienced vomiting, diarrhea and anorexia and another 3-year-old male exposed to a single dose of 980 mg experienced decreased white blood cell count and diarrhea.

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Imatinib mesylate is a protein-tyrosine kinase inhibitor that inhibits the BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase, the constitutive abnormal tyrosine kinase created by the Philadelphia chromosome abnormality in CML. Imatinib inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in BCR-ABL positive cell lines as well as fresh leukemic cells from Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia. Imatinib inhibits colony formation in assays using ex vivo peripheral blood and bone marrow samples from CML patients.

In vivo, imatinib inhibits tumor growth of BCR-ABL transfected murine myeloid cells as well as BCR-ABL positive leukemia lines derived from CML patients in blast crisis.

Imatinib is also an inhibitor of the receptor tyrosine kinases for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and stem cell factor (SCF), c-kit, and inhibits PDGF- and SCF-mediated cellular events.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of Imatinib Mesylate Tablets have been evaluated in studies in healthy subjects and in population pharmacokinetic studies in over 900 patients.

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

In the 2-year rat carcinogenicity study administration of imatinib at 15, 30, and 60 mg/kg/day resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the longevity of males at 60 mg/kg/day and females at greater than or equal to 30 mg/kg/day. Target organs for neoplastic changes were the kidneys (renal tubule and renal pelvis), urinary bladder, urethra, preputial and clitoral gland, small intestine, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands and non-glandular stomach. Neoplastic lesions were not seen at: 30 mg/kg/day for the kidneys, urinary bladder, urethra, small intestine, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands and non-glandular stomach, and 15 mg/kg/day for the preputial and clitoral gland. The papilloma/carcinoma of the preputial/clitoral gland were noted at 30 and 60 mg/kg/day, representing approximately 0.5 to 4 or 0.3 to 2.4 times the human daily exposure (based on AUC) at 400 mg/day or 800 mg/day, respectively, and 0.4 to 3.0 times the daily exposure in children (based on AUC) at 340 mg/m2. The renal tubule adenoma/carcinoma, renal pelvis transitional cell neoplasms, the urinary bladder and urethra transitional cell papillomas, the small intestine adenocarcinomas, the parathyroid glands adenomas, the benign and malignant medullary tumors of the adrenal glands and the non-glandular stomach papillomas/carcinomas were noted at 60 mg/kg/day. The relevance of these findings in the rat carcinogenicity study for humans is not known. Positive genotoxic effects were obtained for imatinib in an in vitro mammalian cell assay (Chinese hamster ovary) for clastogenicity (chromosome aberrations) in the presence of metabolic activation. Two intermediates of the manufacturing process, which are also present in the final product, are positive for mutagenesis in the Ames assay. One of these intermediates was also positive in the mouse lymphoma assay. Imatinib was not genotoxic when tested in an in vitro bacterial cell assay (Ames test), an in vitro mammalian cell assay (mouse lymphoma) and an in vivo rat micronucleus assay.

In a study of fertility, male rats were dosed for 70 days prior to mating and female rats were dosed 14 days prior to mating and through to gestational Day 6. Testicular and epididymal weights and percent motile sperm were decreased at 60 mg/kg, approximately three-fourths the maximum clinical dose of 800 mg/day based on body surface area. This was not seen at doses less than or equal to 20 mg/kg (one-fourth the maximum human dose of 800 mg). The fertility of male and female rats was not affected.

Fertility was not affected in the preclinical fertility and early embryonic development study although lower testes and epididymal weights as well as a reduced number of motile sperm were observed in the high dose male rats. In the preclinical pre- and postnatal study in rats, fertility in the first generation offspring was also not affected by imatinib mesylate.

13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology

14.1 Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

14.2 Pediatric CML

A total of 51 pediatric patients with newly diagnosed and untreated CML in chronic phase were enrolled in an open-label, multicenter, single-arm Phase 2 trial. Patients were treated with Imatinib Mesylate Tablets 340 mg/m2/day, with no interruptions in the absence of dose limiting toxicity. Complete hematologic response (CHR) was observed in 78% of patients after 8 weeks of therapy. The complete cytogenetic response rate (CCyR) was 65%, comparable to the results observed in adults. Additionally, partial cytogenetic response (PCyR) was observed in 16%. The majority of patients who achieved a CCyR developed the CCyR between months 3 and 10 with a median time to response based on the Kaplan-Meier estimate of 6.74 months. Patients were allowed to be removed from protocol therapy to undergo alternative therapy including hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Thirty-one children received stem cell transplantation. Of the 31 children, 5 were transplanted after disease progression on study and 1 withdrew from study during first week treatment and received transplant approximately 4 months after withdrawal. Twenty-five children withdrew from protocol therapy to undergo stem cell transplant after receiving a median of 9 twenty-eight day courses (range 4 to 24). Of the 25 patients 13 (52%) had CCyR and 5 (20%) had PCyR at the end of protocol therapy.

One open-label, single-arm study enrolled 14 pediatric patients with Ph+ chronic phase CML recurrent after stem cell transplant or resistant to interferon-alpha therapy. These patients had not previously received Imatinib Mesylate Tablets and ranged in age from 3 to 20 years old; 3 were 3 to 11 years old, 9 were 12 to 18 years old, and 2 were greater than 18 years old. Patients were treated at doses of 260 mg/m2/day (n=3), 340 mg/m2/day (n=4), 440 mg/m2/day (n=5) and 570 mg/m2/day (n=2). In the 13 patients for whom cytogenetic data are available, 4 achieved a major cytogenetic response, 7 achieved a complete cytogenetic response, and 2 had a minimal cytogenetic response.

In a second study, 2 of 3 patients with Ph+ chronic phase CML resistant to interferon-alpha therapy achieved a complete cytogenetic response at doses of 242 and 257 mg/m2/day.

14.3 Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

A total of 48 Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) patients with relapsed/refractory disease were studied, 43 of whom received the recommended Imatinib Mesylate Tablet dose of 600 mg/day. In addition 2 patients with relapsed/refractory Ph+ ALL received Imatinib Mesylate Tablets 600 mg/day in a Phase 1 study.

Confirmed and unconfirmed hematologic and cytogenetic response rates for the 43 relapsed/refractory Ph+ALL Phase 2 study patients and for the 2 Phase 1 patients are shown in Table 21. The median duration of hematologic response was 3.4 months and the median duration of MCyR was 2.3 months.

14.4 Pediatric ALL

Pediatric and young adult patients with very high risk ALL, defined as those with an expected 5-year event-free survival (EFS) less than 45%, were enrolled after induction therapy on a multicenter, non-randomized cooperative group pilot protocol.

The safety and effectiveness of Imatinib Mesylate Tablets (340 mg/m2/day) in combination with intensive chemotherapy was evaluated in a subgroup of patients with Ph+ ALL. The protocol included intensive chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplant after 2 courses of chemotherapy for patients with an appropriate HLA-matched family donor. There were 92 eligible patients with Ph+ ALL enrolled. The median age was 9.5 years (1 to 21 years: 2.2% between 1 and less than 2 years, 56.5% between 2 and less than 12 years, 34.8% between 12 and less than 18 years, and 6.5% between 18 and 21 years). Sixty-four percent were male, 75% were white, 9% were Asian/Pacific Islander, and 5% were black. In 5 successive cohorts of patients, Imatinib Mesylate Tablets exposure was systematically increased by earlier introduction and prolonged duration. Cohort 1 received the lowest intensity and cohort 5 received the highest intensity of Imatinib Mesylate Tablets exposure.

There were 50 patients with Ph+ ALL assigned to cohort 5 all of whom received Imatinib Mesylate Tablets plus chemotherapy; 30 were treated exclusively with chemotherapy and Imatinib Mesylate Tablets and 20 received chemotherapy plus Imatinib Mesylate Tablets and then underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplant, followed by further Imatinib Mesylate Tablets treatment. Patients in cohort 5 treated with chemotherapy received continuous daily exposure to Imatinib Mesylate Tablets beginning in the first course of post induction chemotherapy continuing through maintenance cycles 1 through 4 chemotherapy. During maintenance cycles 5 through 12 Imatinib Mesylate Tablets was administered 28 days out of the 56 day cycle. Patients who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplant received 42 days of Imatinib Mesylate Tablets prior to HSCT, and 28 weeks (196 days) of Imatinib Mesylate Tablets after the immediate post transplant period. The estimated 4-year EFS of patients in cohort 5 was 70% (95% CI: 54, 81). The median follow-up time for EFS at data cutoff in cohort 5 was 40.5 months.

14.5 Myelodysplastic/Myeloproliferative Diseases

An open-label, multicenter, Phase 2 clinical trial was conducted testing Imatinib Mesylate Tablets in diverse populations of patients suffering from life-threatening diseases associated with Abl, Kit or PDGFR protein tyrosine kinases. This study included 7 patients with MDS/MPD. These patients were treated with Imatinib Mesylate Tablets 400 mg daily. The ages of the enrolled patients ranged from 20 to 86 years. A further 24 patients with MDS/MPD aged 2 to 79 years were reported in 12 published case reports and a clinical study. These patients also received Imatinib Mesylate Tablets at a dose of 400 mg daily with the exception of three patients who received lower doses. Of the total population of 31 patients treated for MDS/MPD, 14 (45%) achieved a complete hematological response and 12 (39%) a major cytogenetic response (including 10 with a complete cytogenetic response). Sixteen patients had a translocation, involving chromosome 5q33 or 4q12, resulting in a PDGFR gene rearrangement. All of these patients responded hematologically (13 completely). Cytogenetic response was evaluated in 12 out of 14 patients, all of whom responded (10 patients completely). Only 1 (7%) out of the 14 patients without a translocation associated with PDGFR gene re-arrangement achieved a complete hematological response and none achieved a major cytogenetic response. A further patient with a PDGFR gene re-arrangement in molecular relapse after bone marrow transplant responded molecularly. Median duration of therapy was 12.9 months (0.8 to 26.7) in the 7 patients treated within the Phase 2 study and ranged between 1 week and more than 18 months in responding patients in the published literature. Results are provided in Table 22. Response durations of Phase 2 study patients ranged from 141+ days to 457+ days.

14.6 Aggressive Systemic Mastocytosis

One open-label, multicenter, Phase 2 study was conducted testing Imatinib Mesylate Tablets in diverse populations of patients with life-threatening diseases associated with Abl, Kit or PDGFR protein tyrosine kinases. This study included 5 patients with ASM treated with 100 mg to 400 mg of Imatinib Mesylate Tablets daily. These 5 patients ranged from 49 to 74 years of age. In addition to these 5 patients, 10 published case reports and case series describe the use of Imatinib Mesylate Tablets in 23 additional patients with ASM aged 26 to 85 years who also received 100 mg to 400 mg of Imatinib Mesylate Tablets daily.

Cytogenetic abnormalities were evaluated in 20 of the 28 ASM patients treated with Imatinib Mesylate Tablets from the published reports and in the Phase 2 study. Seven of these 20 patients had the FIP1L1-PDGFR€α fusion kinase (or CHIC2 deletion). Patients with this cytogenetic abnormality were predominantly males and had eosinophilia associated with their systemic mast cell disease. Two patients had a Kit mutation in the juxtamembrane region (one Phe522Cys and one K509I) and four patients had a D816V c-Kit mutation (not considered sensitive to Imatinib Mesylate Tablets), one with concomitant CML.

Of the 28 patients treated for ASM, 8 (29%) achieved a complete hematologic response and 9 (32%) a partial hematologic response (61% overall response rate). Median duration of Imatinib Mesylate Tablet therapy for the 5 ASM patients in the Phase 2 study was 13 months (range 1.4 to 22.3 months) and between 1 month and more than 30 months in the responding patients described in the published medical literature. A summary of the response rates to Imatinib Mesylate Tablets in ASM is provided in Table 23. Response durations of literature patients ranged from 1+ to 30+ months.

Imatinib Mesylate Tablets have not been shown to be effective in patients with less aggressive forms of systemic mastocytosis (SM). Imatinib Mesylate Tablets are therefore not recommended for use in patients with cutaneous mastocytosis, indolent systemic mastocytosis (smoldering SM or isolated bone marrow mastocytosis), SM with an associated clonal hematological non-mast cell lineage disease, mast cell leukemia, mast cell sarcoma or extracutaneous mastocytoma. Patients that harbor the D816V mutation of c-Kit are not sensitive to Imatinib Mesylate Tablets and should not receive Imatinib Mesylate Tablets.

14.7 Hypereosinophilic Syndrome/Chronic Eosinophilic Leukemia

One open-label, multicenter, Phase 2 study was conducted testing Imatinib Mesylate Tablets in diverse populations of patients with life-threatening diseases associated with Abl, Kit or PDGFR protein tyrosine kinases. This study included 14 patients with Hypereosinophilic Syndrome/Chronic Eosinophilic Leukemia (HES/CEL). HES patients were treated with 100 mg to 1000 mg of Imatinib Mesylate Tablets daily. The ages of these patients ranged from 16 to 64 years. A further 162 patients with HES/CEL aged 11 to 78 years were reported in 35 published case reports and case series. These patients received Imatinib Mesylate Tablets at doses of 75 mg to 800 mg daily. Hematologic response rates are summarized in Table 24. Response durations for literature patients ranged from 6+ weeks to 44 months.

14.8 Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans

Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP) is a cutaneous soft tissue sarcoma. It is characterized by a translocation of chromosomes 17 and 22 that results in the fusion of the collagen type 1 alpha 1 gene and the PDGF B gene.

An open-label, multicenter, Phase 2 study was conducted testing Imatinib Mesylate Tablets in a diverse population of patients with life-threatening diseases associated with Abl, Kit or PDGFR protein tyrosine kinases. This study included 12 patients with DFSP who were treated with Imatinib Mesylate Tablets 800 mg daily (age range 23 to 75 years). DFSP was metastatic, locally recurrent following initial surgical resection and not considered amenable to further surgery at the time of study entry. A further 6 DFSP patients treated with Imatinib Mesylate Tablets are reported in 5 published case reports, their ages ranging from 18 months to 49 years. The total population treated for DFSP therefore comprises 18 patients, 8 of them with metastatic disease. The adult patients reported in the published literature were treated with either 400 mg (4 cases) or 800 mg (1 case) Imatinib Mesylate Tablets daily. A single pediatric patient received 400 mg/m2/daily, subsequently increased to 520 mg/m2/daily. Ten patients had the PDGF B gene rearrangement, 5 had no available cytogenetics and 3 had complex cytogenetic abnormalities. Responses to treatment are described in Table 25.

Twelve of these 18 patients either achieved a complete response (7 patients) or were made disease free by surgery after a partial response (5 patients, including one child) for a total complete response rate of 67%. A further 3 patients achieved a partial response, for an overall response rate of 83%. Of the 8 patients with metastatic disease, five responded (62%), three of them completely (37%). For the 10 study patients with the PDGF B gene rearrangement, there were 4 complete and 6 partial responses. The median duration of response in the Phase 2 study was 6.2 months, with a maximum duration of 24.3 months, while in the published literature it ranged between 4 weeks and more than 20 months.

100 mg Tablets

Film-coated tablets, brown, round, debossed with "376" on one side, and "B" with score on the other side.

400 mg Tablets

Film-coated capsule shaped brown tablets. One side debossed with "0599" and bisected on the other side.

Storage and Handling

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from moisture.

Dispense in a tight container, USP.

Do not crush Imatinib Mesylate Tablets. Avoid direct contact of crushed tablets with the skin or mucous membranes. If such contact occurs, wash thoroughly as outlined in the references. Avoid exposure to crushed tablets.

Dosing and Administration

Advise patients to take Imatinib Mesylate Tablets exactly as prescribed, not to change their dose or to stop taking Imatinib Mesylate Tablets unless they are told to do so by their doctor. If the patient missed a dose of Imatinib Mesylate Tablets, the patient should take the next scheduled dose at its regular time. The patient should not take two doses at the same time. Advise patients to take Imatinib Mesylate Tablets with a meal and a large glass of water [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

Fluid Retention and Edema

Inform patients of the possibility of developing edema and fluid retention. Advise patients to contact their health care provider if unexpected rapid weight gain occurs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Hepatotoxicity

Inform patients of the possibility of developing liver function abnormalities and serious hepatic toxicity. Advise patients to immediately contact their health care provider if signs of liver failure occur, including jaundice, anorexia, bleeding or bruising [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Advise patients to inform their doctor if they are or think they may be pregnant. Advise women of reproductive potential to avoid becoming pregnant while taking Imatinib Mesylate Tablets. Female patients of reproductive potential taking Imatinib Mesylate Tablets should use highly effective contraception during treatment and for fourteen days after stopping treatment with Imatinib Mesylate Tablets [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)]. Avoid breastfeeding during treatment and for 1 month after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2)].

Drug Interactions

Imatinib Mesylate Tablets and certain other medicines such as warfarin, erythromycin, and phenytoin, including over-the-counter medications such as herbal products, can interact with each other. Advise patients to tell their doctor if they are taking or plan to take iron supplements. Avoid grapefruit juice and other foods known to inhibit CYP3A4 while taking Imatinib Mesylate Tablets [see Drug Interactions (7)].

Pediatric

Advise patients that growth retardation has been reported in children and pre-adolescents receiving Imatinib Mesylate Tablets. The long term effects of prolonged treatment with Imatinib Mesylate Tablets on growth in children are unknown. Therefore, closely monitor growth in children under Imatinib Mesylate Tablet treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)].

Driving and Using Machines

Advise patients that they may experience side effects such as dizziness, blurred vision or somnolence during treatment with Imatinib Mesylate Tablets. Therefore, caution patients about driving a car or operating machinery [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13)].