The cost of setting up the very complex manufacturing [process used in
production of Gleevec cou-pled with the rather low density (as compared
to other diseases)of patients would tend to protect Novartis from
generic competition. There are on average only 5000 new patients
diagnosed in U.S,. each year. Further I expect that the new drug
currently being test by Dr. Drucker as the next generation of a gleevec
type medication will be available before the current patent expires.