Bosutinib is a type of medicine called a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). It works by blocking the activity of certain proteins (kinases) in cancer cells, especially the BCR-ABL protein, which is produced by the abnormal Philadelphia chromosome found in most cases of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).

By blocking BCR-ABL and related proteins, bosutinib helps stop the growth and multiplication of leukemia cells. This can slow down or stop the progression of CML and help bring blood counts back to normal. Bosutinib also inhibits other kinases (like Src-family kinases), which may help it work even in cases where other TKIs are less effective.

Bosutinib is effective in both newly diagnosed patients and those whose disease has not responded to or who cannot tolerate other TKIs.

Bosutinib

Common brand names

Approved use in