There has been much speculation on the potential use of kinase inhibitors, such as imatinib mesylate, for the treatment of autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Imatinib inhibits a select set of tyrosine kinases at submicromolar concentrations. In this Viewpoint, the authors discuss how imatinib could provide a potent therapeutic option for a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, for which current therapies are insufficient.
- Ricardo T Paniagua
- William H Robinson