Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, Industry Partners Start Clinical Trials
By Cyndi Root
The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF), the Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium (MMRC), and industry partners have started new clinical trials to investigate treatments for multiple myeloma patients. The Boston Business Journal reports that six new trials are recruiting or are underway. A Phase 1 study of the combination of Selinexor, carfilzomib, and dexamethasone will generate preliminary information and guide the design of a future efficacy trial. The organizations are currently working with industry partners, including Millennium, Karyopharm, Nereus Pharmaceuticals, Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi, and Cleave Biosciences.
Dr. Fiona An, SVP of clinical research for the MMRF and MMRC, said in the Journal article, “We have such a robust pipeline of promising investigational agents — from monoclonal antibodies to first-in-class novel therapy to all oral regimens — and we are confident that they can prove to have a significant impact for many of our patients.”
Treatments Under Investigation
Selinexor, a member of a new group of drugs, is being tested along with other agents in a combination treatment. The investigational compound is the first in its class to be tested in the treatment of multiple myeloma. The study, titled, “A Phase 1 Study of the Combination of a Selective Inhibitor of Nuclear Export (SINE), Selinexor with Carfilzomib and Dexamethasone in Patients with Relapsed or Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma,” will enroll 48 people at the University of Chicago, the University of Michigan, the Mayo Clinic – Scottsdale, and Mount Sinai.
Industry Partners
Millennium was one of the first pharmaceutical companies to join the consortium and has launched 22 clinical trials with the MMRC and the MMRF. Recently, Millennium received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for Velcade, a multiple myeloma treatment. Millennium is conducting a Phase 1/2 trial with Celgene, titled, “Pomalidomide and Dexamethasone With or Without Ixazomib in Treating Patients With Refractory Multiple Myeloma.” Karyopharm is running the Selinexor trial. Cleave Biosciences, Sanofi, and Onyx are also signed on to be active industry partners.
MMRC and MMRF
The Norwalk, Conn.-based MMRC and MMRF are sister organizations working together to boost drug development in multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer. The consortium has set a new record in terms of productivity; this project marks the highest number of trials they’ve ever sponsored in a single year.