NSAIDs: Painkillers, inflammation inhibitors, anti-cancer drugs and new de-methylating agents Mar 27, 2008
As a matter of fact, two de-methylating drugs 5-Azacitidine and 5-Aza-2-deoxycytidine (decitabine) have been approved for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes, a heterogenous group of hematopoietic stem cell disorders that are multifactorial in their etiology. Hung says our results indicate that NSAIDs may function as de-methylating agents via inhibition of DNMTs and may provide a new strategy for the treatment or prevention of cancer. (EurekAlert!)
Novel Mechanism Found That May Boost Impaired Function Of Leukemia Protein Mar 5, 2008
There are currently no available drugs that target protein methylation, although two drugs that target DNA methylation are FDA approved for treating patients with myelodysplastic syndromes. "We hope to utilize these new findings to help develop and ultimately test new treatment strategies for patients with either myeloid or lymphoid types of acute leukemia," said the study's first author, Xinyang Zhao, a member of Dr. Nimer's laboratory. (Science Daily)
Celgene Corp. Feb 5, 2008
Celgene plans to make Pharmion a wholly-owned subsidiary and, in doing so, pickup the right to distribute the treatments for myelodysplastic syndromes -- cancerous blood disorders also called pre-leukemia -- and other drugs that Pharmion has been steering to regulatory approval in the United States and Europe. The board of Pharmion is recommending shareholders approve the Celgene deal. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Pharmion workers offered bonuses to stay Jan 23, 2008
Celgene plans to make Pharmion a wholly-owned subsidiary and, in doing so, pickup the right to distribute the treatments for myelodysplastic syndromes -- cancerous blood disorders also called pre-leukemia -- and other drugs that Pharmion has been steering to regulatory approval in the United States and Europe. The companies expect to complete the $72 per-share cash and stock transaction by June 1, pending shareholder approval. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Pharmion wants European OK Jan 15, 2008
Biotechnology company seeks to have its drug Vidaza approved in Europe as a treatment for severe myelodysplastic syndromes, the company announced Monday. The Boulder-based company's application to the European Medicines Agency would, if approved, give Vidaza status as the exclusive drug for use in the advanced cases of the blood disorders. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Methylgene and Pharmion Start Phase II Combination Clinical Trial With MGCD0103 and Vidaza(R) in Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma or Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Jan 9, 2008
In May 2004, Vidaza became the first drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS). The FDA approved Vidaza, the first in a new class of drugs called demethylation agents, for treatment of all five MDS subtypes. (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
Earnings Surge For Celgene Jan 8, 2008
It is also used to treat multiple myeloma, but it was approved first for a rare blood disorder, a version of a set of diseases called myelodysplastic syndromes where part of a particular genetic chromosome is deleted. Revlimid competes with Millennium Pharmaceuticals (nasdaq: - - ) Velcade, which is also approved to treat a type of blood cancer. (Forbes -- Markets)
Scoring system identifies MDS patients who have low-risk disease but a poor prognosis Dec 22, 2007
Myelodysplastic Syndromes are a group of conditions that cause insufficient production of blood cells, which is often lethal. About 10 percent of patients have their MDS transform into acute myelogenous leukemia. (EurekAlert!)
Chroma Announces Positive Phase I Efficacy Data for Novel Cancer Therapy CHR-2797 Dec 13, 2007
OXFORD, England, Dec. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Chroma Therapeutics Limited, one of the UK's leading pre-IPO biotechnology companies, announced today positive data from a Phase I study with its oral, once-daily experimental cancer therapy CHR-2797 in the treatment of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and multiple myeloma (MM) who have failed on, or who are unsuitable for, chemotherapy. Headline data from the study, which was presented by a key study... (PR Newswire)
Once-Daily Exjade(R) Shown to Remove Toxic Iron From the Heart and Liver, According to Data Presented at ASH Dec 12, 2007
Approximately 78% of Beta-thalassaemia Patients had Decreases in Cardiac Iron and 90% had Decreases in Liver Iron After Six Months, Interim Data Show(1) Study in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Patients With Iron Overload Showed Continued Safety and Efficacy Over Two Years(2) Safety and Efficacy Demonstrated in Lower-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) Patients(3) FRIMLEY, England, December 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- New data show once-daily Exjade(R) (deferasirox) reduces life-threatening iron... (PR Newswire)
Japan's Eisai to buy MGI Pharma for $3.9 bln Dec 12, 2007
MGI's products include Aloxi, a treatment to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea; Gliadel Wafer, a drug delivery device in the treatment of brain cancer; and Dacogen, a treatment for a group of blood disorders known as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) that often precede leukemia. The acquisition pits Eisai against U.S.-based Celgene Corp (CELG.O), which recently agreed to acquire MGI rival Pharmion Corp (PHRM.O) for 2. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
Japan's Eisai to buy US MGI Pharma for $3.9 bln Dec 11, 2007
MGI's products include Aloxi, a treatment to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea; Gliadel Wafer, a drug delivery device in the treatment of brain cancer; and Dacogen, a treatment for a group of blood disorders known as myelodysplastic syndromes that often precedes leukemia. Big-ticket biotech deals this year include AstraZeneca (AZN.L: , , ) buying MedImmune for $15. (Reuters)
Pharmion Vidaza drug survival benefit confirmed Dec 11, 2007
BOSTON, Dec. 9 (Reuters) - Pharmion Corp (PHRM.O: , , ) said on Sunday that detailed analysis of a late-stage clinical trial of its drug to treat a group of blood disorders known as myelodysplastic syndromes confirmed it increased survival and improved quality of life. Data presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology confirmed that patients who were treated with Pharmion's drug Vidaza had a median survival advantage of 9. (Reuters)
Research Provides Critical Insight into Improving Therapy for Difficult-to-Treat Blood Cancers Dec 10, 2007
-- Study Identifies Potential Breakthrough in Treatment of Rare and Aggressive Form of Non- Hodgkin Lymphoma -- ATLANTA, Dec. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Data that will have a significant impact on the treatment of patients with certain hard-to-treat lymphomas, myelomas, and myelodysplastic syndromes will be presented at the 49th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology in Atlanta, GA. The data include a late-breaking abstract reporting long-standing remissions for patients with... (PR Newswire)
Pharmion Presents Clinical Data Demonstrating Significant Survival Advantage of Vidaza(R) in Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) Dec 10, 2007
2% for Conventional Care Regimens - Highly Consistent Effect Across Patient Subgroups - Data Presented at the 49th American Society of Hematology Meeting ATLANTA, Dec. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Pharmion Corporation (Nasdaq: PHRM) today announced complete results from a Phase 3 multi-center, international, randomized study of Vidaza(R) (azacitidine for injection) in the treatment of patients with higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) demonstrating that Vidaza provides a significant... (PR Newswire)
Possible Cure for Rare Lymphoma Reported Dec 10, 2007
And physicians from the Hospital Avicenne in Paris reported that a new drug, azacitidine, was more effective than standard chemotherapy at prolonging survival among 358 patients with high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), which currently have no cure other than bone marrow transplantation. More information. (Health-Finder)
Ligand Presents Positive LGD-4665 Phase I Clinical Trial Results at the American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting (ASH) Dec 9, 2007
Based on its strong potency, convenience and potential for dosing flexibility, we believe that LGD-4665 could be used as treatment for a wide variety of diseases associated with thrombocytopenia, including hepatitis C, chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and several other cancers and liver diseases ... Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) - According to the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 35,000 to 40,000 patients in the... (BusinessWire)
Help fund Gabe's medical costs Dec 8, 2007
Gabe Quiles-ColvinAccount for Myelodysplastic Syndromes. Bank Of America7770 W. Oakland Park Blvd.Sunrise, FL 33351. (WSVN-TV Miami, FL)
Updated Analysis of 2001 Epoetin Alfa Study Posted Dec 5, 2007
g., sickle cell anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, or hypercoagulable disorders). -- In some female patients, menses have resumed following PROCRIT therapy; the possibility of pregnancy should be discussed and the need for contraception evaluated. (PR Newswire)
MGI Pharma hires bankers to evaluate alternatives Nov 30, 2007
MGI sells Dacogen, a treatment for a group of blood disorders known as myelodysplastic syndromes, or MDS, which often leads to leukemia. Dacogen competes with Pharmion's drug Vidaza. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Pharmion CEO will stay in Colo., start another biotech Nov 21, 2007
Celgene will acquire the rights to Vidaza, a drug Pharmion sells domestically for advanced cases of myelodysplastic syndromes, a family of cancerous blood disorders that used to be dubbed pre-leukemia. Vidaza will complement Celgene's existing treatments for early-stage MDS.. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Celgene to buy Pharmion for $2.9 billion Nov 20, 2007
In August, Boulder, Colorado-based Pharmion said a late-stage trial of its drug Vidaza significantly extended the life of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, a group of blood disorders that can lead to leukemia. Its shares rose as much as 62 percent on the day in response. (ABC News -- Wire)
Celgene's Smart Buy Nov 20, 2007
It is also used to treat multiple myeloma, but it was approved first for a rare blood disorder, a version of a set of diseases called myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) where part of a particular genetic chromosome is deleted. Pharmion's most successful drug, Vidaza, is also approved to treat MDS, but it is used in a far more severe form of the disease. (Forbes -- Business)
Celgene to acquire Pharmion Nov 19, 2007
Pharmion, based in Boulder, Colorado, also sells the drug Vidaza, which is used to treat myelodysplastic syndromes, or MDS, a group of bone marrow diseases that can lead to cancer. Celgene's Revlimid is also approved to treat MDS, as well as multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer. (International Herald Tribune)
CombiMatrix Molecular Diagnostics Launches HemeScan MDS for the Management and Diagnosis of Myelodysplastic Syndromes Sep 25, 2007
HemeScan(tm) MDS (myelodysplastic syndromes) is designed to detect clonal prognostic markers in bone marrow aspirates from patients with refractory anemia combining diagnosis of pre-leukemia with individualized risk stratification and treatment planning. It is now available to the clinical community through both routine clinical sample processing as well as through CMDX's innovative Technical Only Program for reference laboratories. (Primezone Releases)
Ortho Biotech Supports FDA Advisory Committees' Recommendations on Use of ESAs in Chronic Renal Failure Patients Sep 12, 2007
-- The safety and efficacy of PROCRIT therapy have not been established in patients with a known history of a seizure disorder or underlying hematologic disease (eg, sickle cell anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, or hypercoagulable disorders). -- In some female patients, menses have resumed following PROCRIT therapy; the possibility of pregnancy should be discussed and the need for contraception evaluated. (PR Newswire)
ProMetic Expands Indication for PBI-1402 Into Anemia In Cancer Patients Sep 12, 2007
More about Myelodysplastic Syndromes ("MDS"). MDS are a group of diseases in which the production of blood cells by the bone marrow is disrupted. (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
FDA fast-tracks Pharmion's blood disorder drug Aug 31, 2007
Pharmion (NASDAQ: PHRM) received FDA approval to market an injectible version of Vidaza in 2004 as a treatment for myelodysplastic syndromes, which inhibit the body's production of blood cells. The potentially life-threatening syndromes affect an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 Americans each year and is diagnosed mostly in people over 65. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Andreessen's Opsware Burns Short Sellers as Takeover Pushes Shares Higher Aug 24, 2007
The injectable treatment, Vidaza, extended survival by 74 percent in a study of patients with higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes, in which blood cells in bone marrow don't function normally, the company said. Impac Mortgage Holdings Inc. (IMH US) dropped 64 percent after 35 percent of its float was sold short. (Bloomberg)
European School of Haematology Launches Curriculum in Iron Metabolism & Related Disorders Jul 4, 2007
Myelodysplastic Syndromes. Thalassaemia (major and intermedia). (BusinessWire)
More of this story Jun 19, 2007
Jalbert has been suffering with Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) a group of myeloid stem cell disorders that gradually affect the ability of a person s bone marrow to produce normal cells such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Patients with MDS have a risk of the disease progressing to acute myelogenous leukemia. (Westerly Sun, RI)
June 18: Friends host drive to aid local woman with leukemia Jun 19, 2007
Myelodysplastic Syndromes Facts & Statistics. The term myelodysplastic syndromes or MDS describes a group of blood cancers. (Westerly Sun, RI)
New Study Shows Doxorubicin Plus Paclitaxel Followed by Weekly Paclitaxel as Adjuvant Therapy for High Risk Breast Cancer Warranted in Place of Doxorubicin Plus Cyclophosphamide Followed by Paclitaxel Jun 5, 2007
D.: Phase II study of eribulin mesylate (E7389) halichondrin b analog in patients with refractory breast cancer -- Alexander Spira, M.D.: Phase II study of eribulin mesylate (E7389), a mechanistically novel inhibitor of microtubule dynamics, in patients with advanced Non-Small Cell-Lung Cancer (NSCLC) -- John Pippen, Jr., M.D., F.A.C.P.: "A Historical Overview of the Treatment of Prostate Cancer and the Evolution of Bone Marrow Transplantation" -- Marcus Neubauer, M.D., Co-Chair: Lung Cancer... (PR Newswire)
Clinical Data Reported on Vidaza in Hematologic Malignancies and Advanced Solid Tumors Jun 3, 2007
"These studies will help provide us with insight not only into the continuing development of parenteral Vidaza, but, in particular, provide us direction for the development of oral azacitidine." Tolerability and hematologic improvement assessed using three alternative dosing schedules of azacitidine (Vidaza) in patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) - R. Lyons; Abstract #7083; June 2, 2007; 8am-12pm; McCormick Place Convention Center, S Hall A2) Interim results from a Phase II,... (PR Newswire)
Clinical Data Presented on Pilot Pharmacokinetic Study of Oral Azacitidine Jun 3, 2007
The study was designed to assess the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of escalating single doses of orally administered Azacitidine in patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS), acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or other solid tumors ... "Oral azacitidine represents an extremely exciting opportunity," said Dr. Guillermo Garcia-Manero, Associate Professor of Medicine and Chief, Section of Myelodysplastic Syndromes, Department of Leukemia, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center ... "The potential... (PR Newswire)
Pharmion and MethylGene Report Preliminary Data for MGCD0103 at the 43rd American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting Jun 3, 2007
HDAC Inhibitor MGCD0103 Demonstrates Substantial Response Rate In Two Clinical Trials 40% Response Rate and 45% Disease Control Rate in Single-Agent Phase II Trial in Refractory or Relapsed Hodgkin's Lymphoma Patients 30% Response Rate (37% at Relevant Active Doses) in Phase I/II Combination Trial with Vidaza(R) in MDS and AML Patients CHICAGO, June 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Pharmion Corporation (Nasdaq: PHRM) and MethylGene Inc. (TSX: MYG) today announced preliminary Phase II and Phase I/II... (PR Newswire)
Pharmion to Present Clinical Data on Commercial and Pipeline Products at 2007 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Meeting Jun 1, 2007
These abstracts include summaries of data from studies of each of the six key products in the company's commercial and development portfolio, for multiple indications, including Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS), multiple myeloma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, small cell lung cancer and advanced hormone-refractory prostate cancer ... The following clinical data will be presented in poster sessions (unless otherwise noted) during the ASCO 2007 annual meeting: Vidaza(R) Tolerability and hematologic... (PR Newswire)
HRT Linked to Ovarian Cancer Deaths in the Britain Apr 20, 2007
By Judith Groch, Senior Writer, MedPage Today Reviewed by April 19, 2007. OXFORD, England, April 19 -- Use of hormone replacement therapy for at least five years added up to 1,300 additional ovarian cancers over 14 years in Britain and 1,000 extra deaths, researchers here reported. (MedPage Today)
EDITORIAL: The real cancer threat Mar 28, 2007
Revlimid -- a drug that eliminates the use of expensive blood transfusions for nearly 75 percent of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes that causes underproduction of red blood cells -- has been available in the United States since 2005. Canada has yet to make it available while it "negotiates" a "cost-effective" price. (Washington Times)
Online tool helps physicians improve care of patients with bleeding disorder Feb 8, 2007
PIMs are available on myelodysplastic syndromes and multiple myeloma, in addition to ITP. Each PIM provides board-certified physicians enrolled in the Maintenance of Certification program 20 practice improvement points, as well as 20 Category 1 continuing medical education (CME) credits. Hematologists may also earn 60 Maintenance of Certification points and 37. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Aplastic Anemia: A Rare Disease With a Better Prognosis Feb 4, 2007
A related blood disorder, myelodysplastic syndromes, or MDS, occurs when the bone marrow begins producing poorly functioning or immature blood cells. About 20,000 to 30,000 new cases occur each year. (Health-Finder)
FDA OKs Pharmion drug delivery Jan 30, 2007
The FDA first approved Vidaza from treating five types of Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) in 2004. MDS is a bone marrow disorder characterized by the production of abnormally functioning, immature blood cells. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
The New England Journal Of Medicine Publishes Two Landmark Studies Of NOXAFIL(R) (Posaconazole) in the Prevention of Invasive Fungal Infections Jan 25, 2007
These patients included hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) or those with hematologic malignancies such as acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) with prolonged neutropenia from chemotherapy. In high-risk neutropenic patients, NOXAFIL prophylaxis was associated with decreased all-cause mortality versus the combined comparator drugs. (PR Newswire)
Role For Proteomics In Identifying Hematologic Malignancies Jan 16, 2007
Scientists have identified a set of biomarkers that could help clinicians identify a group of hematologic malignancies known as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), which affect approximately 300,000 individuals worldwide and often progress to acute myeloid leukemia. Reported in the advance issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (which appears on-line the week of January 8) the findings point to a possible new diagnostic method for these malignancies, which occur when blood... (Science Daily)
Sutent and Nexavar Put Brakes on Renal-Cell Carcinoma Jan 11, 2007
Designed for pharmacists who care for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) or multiple myeloma (MM), this CPE webcast explores several new and emerging agents that have shown promising results in treating these challenging cancers. Source: Projects In Knowledge')"> | | | ? 2004-7 MedPage Today, LLC. All Rights Reserved.. (MedPage Today)
