Current rheumatology reports
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Imatinib mesylate has become a therapy of interest for the treatment of systemic sclerosis because of its ability to inhibit c-Abl and platelet-derived growth factor receptor, tyrosine kinases involved in profibrotic pathways. Preclinical data using in vitro and murine models of fibrosis have demonstrated the antifibrotic properties of imatinib. ⋯ Whether imatinib will be tolerable or effective in the treatment of systemic sclerosis is the subject of several investigations. The aim of this review is to summarize this body of research to date.