Imatinib is a benzamide obtained by formal condensation of the carboxy group of 4-[(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl]benzoic acid with the primary aromatic amino group of 4-methyl-N3-[4-(pyridin-3-yl)pyrimidin-2-yl]benzene-1,3-diamine. Used (as its mesylate salt) for treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia and gastrointestinal stromal tumours. It has a role as an antineoplastic agent, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor and an apoptosis inducer. It is a member of benzamides, a member of pyridines, an aromatic amine, a member of pyrimidines and a N-methylpiperazine. It is functionally related to a benzamide.
