On March 2, the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) announced that it has awarded its 2008 MMRF Biotech Investment Awards, each worth $500,000 in grant funding, to Aileron Therapeutics and Astex Therapeutics. If within the next year the companies reach clearly defined milestones in their research, the MMRF will award each company an additional $500,000 in 2010.

The MMRF Biotech Investment Awards offer research grants to fund early-stage drug-development of new compounds or approaches that show potential in multiple myeloma treatment. Because funding for early-stage drug development for rare diseases…

The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) have paired up to fund a research initiative focusing on multiple myeloma cancer stem cells. Dr. William Matsui of Johns Hopkins University and Dr. Irving Weissman of Stanford University each received research grants worth $250,000.

After prominent cancer stem cell experts met at the 2008 MMRF Myeloma Cancer Stem Cell Research Roundtable, it was decided that myeloma cancer stem cells studies should be funded.

Some scientists believe that cancer stem cells, which are immature cancer cells, are…

The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) has been chosen as the official charity of the first Rite Aid Cleveland 5K. The race will take place on May 16 and will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Cleveland Convention Center.

The Rite Aid Cleveland 5K is an addition to the Cleveland Marathon weekend of events.  The Cleveland Marathon and Half Marathon will be held on the following day, May 17.

The MMRF has also been chosen as a charity partner for the marathon and half marathon. In addition, The Leukemia &…

Last week, the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) held a workshop in Chicago titled “Racial Disparities in Multiple Myeloma: Its Effect on the African American Community.” While a previous Beacon article describes the issue of racial disparities, several other topics were also discussed.

Chromosomal Abnormalities – Nearly all patients with multiple myeloma demonstrate an abnormal number of chromosomes. A karyotype, which is a technique that analyzes chromosomes, can signify either good or poor prognosis. For example, having less than the normal 46 chromosomes is an indicator of poor…

On Tuesday, the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) held a workshop in Chicago titled “Racial Disparities in Multiple Myeloma: Its Effect on the African American Community.” The pilot program was MMRF’s first attempt at reaching out specifically to primary care physicians in underserved areas.

The program focused on why the risk of developing multiple myeloma is twice as great in African-Americans than it is in Caucasians. Possible explanations include the presence of a condition called MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance), socioeconomic status, lifestyle and environmental…