Phase 2 Trials Of IPH 2101 Are Recruiting Myeloma And Smoldering Myeloma Patients – Several Phase 2 clinical trials are now recruiting multiple myeloma and smoldering multiple myeloma patients to receive the experimental agent IPH 2101 (anti-KIR). IPH 2101 is an antibody drug being developed by Innate Pharma. It helps activate cells of the immune system to destroy cancer cells. IPH 2101 is being studied in patients with smoldering myeloma to see if it delays and/or prevents progression to multiple myeloma (trial description). It is also being studied in multiple myeloma patients in stable partial response after a first line therapy (trial description) and in combination with Revlimid (lenalidomide) in myeloma patients experiencing their first relapse (trial description). To participate in the smoldering myeloma trial at the National Institutes of Health, please contact the research nurse, Mary Ann Yancey, at (301) 435-9227 or .

Phase 3 Double Transplant Trial Is Currently Recruiting Myeloma Patients – Myeloma patients are now being recruited by the Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey to participate in a Phase 3 trial of tandem stem cell transplants with melphalan (Alkeran) followed by melphalan and Velcade (bortezomib). The purpose of this trial is to determine if the addition of Velcade to the second transplant will increase remission times. For more information, please see the clinical trial description.

Revlimid Covered By Australian Government – Revlimid (lenalidomide) is now listed for the treatment of myeloma on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, a list of drugs subsidized by the Australian government. Revlimid will be subsidized for the next four years at a cost of A$104 million (US$94 million). For more information, please visit the Investor Village Web site.

Potential New Myeloma Treatment Starts Phase 1 Trial Extension For AML – Innate Pharma received approval from the French Regulatory authorities to begin an extension of the Phase 1 trial with IPH 2101 in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The company recently also started Phase 2 clinical trials with IPH 2101 for multiple myeloma. For more information, please see the Innate Pharma press release (pdf).

MMRF Race For Research – On November 15, the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) is sponsoring a 5K walk/run. It will be held in Alexandria, VA and will start at 7:30 a.m. The MMRF is looking for participants and sponsors. For more information, please visit the MMRF Web site.

For a more detailed listing of myeloma related events, please check the Myeloma Beacon Events Calendar.