How Does IMBRUVICA® Work?How Does IMBRUVICA® Work?

How Does IMBRUVICA®
(ibrutinib) Work?

HomecGVHDHow Does IMBRUVICA® Work?

IMBRUVICA® Is an Oral, Once-Daily Medicine for Previously Treated cGVHD That Works Differently Than Steroids1

IMBRUVICA® works by blocking a protein in the blood called Bruton’s tyrosine kinase, or BTK, which is a protein involved in the development of mature B cells.2 By blocking BTK, IMBRUVICA® inhibits certain immune cells that play a role in cGVHD.

B cells need a protein called 

Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) to survive.2

BTK sends signals that help B cells stay alive and multiply. In cGVHD, B cells play a role in the immune system's attack against your body.1,3

IMBRUVICA® binds to BTK, which in turn blocks
these signals. This helps stop B cells from surviving and further attacking your body.1

B cells need a protein called 

Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) to survive.2

BTK sends signals that help B cells stay alive and multiply. In cGVHD, B cells play a role in the immune system's attack against your body.1,3

IMBRUVICA® binds to BTK, which in turn blocks
these signals. This helps stop B cells from surviving and further attacking your body.1

Because BTK is also found in some normal cells, blocking it may cause side effects.

Have questions about IMBRUVICA®? From cost and coverage options to Registered Nurse support— we’re here to help.*

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IMBRUVICA® By Your Side patient support program is not intended to provide medical advice, replace prescribed treatment plans, or provide treatment or case management services. Patients are advised to talk to their healthcare provider and treatment team about any medical decisions and concerns they may have. By Your Side Registered Nurses are provided by Johnson & Johnson and its affiliates and Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie Company, and do not work under the direction of your healthcare professional (HCP) or give medical advice. They are trained to direct patients to their HCP for treatment-related advice, including further referrals.

References: 1. IMBRUVICA® (ibrutinib) Prescribing Information. 2. National Institutes of Health. BTK gene. Accessed August 6, 2025. https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/btk/ 3. Buxbaum NP, Socié G, Hill GR, et al; Chronic GvHD NIH Consensus Project Biology Task Force: evolving path to personalized treatment of chronic GvHD. Blood Adv. 2023;7(17):4886-4902.