Facet Biotech Enrolls First Patient In Elotuzumab Phase 2 Myeloma Study – Facet Biotech announced the first patient’s enrollment in a Phase 2 study of elotuzumab, which is currently being investigated for the treatment of relapsed multiple myeloma. Up to 60 patients will be recruited to receive either 10 mg/kg or 20 mg/kg of elotuzumab in combination with Revlimid (lenalidomide) and low-dose dexamethasone (Decadron). In the Phase 1 trial, 92 percent of patients who completed at least…

Celgene Corporation, the manufacturer of Revlimid (lenalidomide), announced on Monday that the company plans to file for approval of Revlimid as a treatment for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Celgene intends to file for regulatory approval in the United States and Europe in the second half of this year.

“Our objective is to make sure that the patients who have a fatal disease, a currently incurable disease, can take medicines that turn this into a chronic treatable disease,” said Celgene’s…

Research shows that papain, a compound found in papaya fruit trees, may serve as a useful supplementary therapy in the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Papain is an enzyme that breaks down proteins. One such protein, called fibrin, makes up the protective layer of cancer cells. Papain degrades fibrin and damages this protective layer, making the cells more susceptible to immune response or chemotherapy. The compound also hinders tumor growth and prevents it from spreading to other parts of the body.…

Multiple myeloma patients on various thalidomide (Thalomid) combination regimens may develop infections despite preventative drug measures, according to a data analysis performed by Italian researchers. The analysis also identified which factors increase a patient’s likelihood of experiencing severe infection. Researchers presented the results on December 6 at the 51st annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) in New Orleans.

In the process of treating multiple myeloma, patients often experience a weakening in their immune system which makes…

A new study suggests that NPI-0052 (marizomib), a new product being developed by Nereus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., may be more active and less toxic in patients with relapsed or refractory myeloma despite treatment with Velcade (bortezomib) and other drugs. Researchers presented the preliminary results of the Phase 1 trial on December 7 at the 51st annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH).

Found in marine bacteria, NPI-0052 acts, like Velcade, as a proteasome inhibitor. Both compounds…