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

This observational study was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of generic imatinib in 91 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (either treated first-line or switched from patented to generic imatinib). Efficacy and safety of generic imatinib was comparable with patented imatinib. These results support the use of generic imatinib to reduce health care expenditure per patient and increase patient access. Introduction: 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. Patients and Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: 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.