European Commission Grants Marketing Authorization For Mozobil – On August 5, the European Commission granted marketing authorization for Mozobil in the European Union. Access to Mozobil will allow multiple myeloma patients who require a stem cell transplant a new option. The drug is used in combination with a granulocyte-colony stimulating factor which stimulates bone marrow, and together they increase the mobilization of stem cells to the bloodstream for collection and use in stem cell transplants. Mozobil was approved in …

D.C. Ride-a-thon – On August 1, Jim Barth, a multiple myeloma patient, will begin his ride on his scooter from Clearwater, FL to the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) Seminar in Washington, D.C. Jim is looking for sponsors to help raise funds for the IMF and the Tampa – St. Petersburg Multiple Myeloma Education Group. The IMF Seminar will be held on August 7 and 8. For more information, please visit Jim’s Web site. Donations may be made on his …

1^st Annual Ronnie Marshall Memorial Poker Run For Multiple Myeloma – In an interesting twist on multiple myeloma fundraisers, there will be a poker run on July 25 beginning at CJ’s Backroom in Lusby, MD. A poker run is an organized motorcycle ride in which riders stop at five checkpoints along the designated route. At each checkpoint, the rider draws a card and records the card on a score sheet. At the end of the route the person with the …

Team In Training Information Meetings – In the coming weeks, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training (TNT) is going to hold informational meetings across the country. These meetings allow those interested to learn more about the TNT and to register for future events. To locate a meeting near you, please visit the TNT Web site and enter your zip code.

Senesco Technologies Enters Agreement For $1 Million in Proceeds – On July 9, Senesco Technologies announced its …

Fill The House For LLS – On July 1, the Cleveland Indians baseball team is sponsoring a fundraiser event that will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). This event will take place at Progressive Field at 7 p.m, and the tickets will cost $16 if purchased from the LLS, otherwise $22. The Indians will donate $5 for each ticket sold by the LLS and $1 for every other ticket purchased. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit …

San Diego International Triathlon – On June 28, the 26th annual San Diego International Triathlon will begin at 5:15 a.m. and end at noon. The race will be held at Spanish Landing Park, and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training (TNT) will be participating. The race benefits St. Vincent de Paul Village, America’s top rehabilitation center for homeless and those in need. To join Team In Training for the triathlon, visit the TNT Web site.

The Price Of Life …

The Canada Border Services Agency has begun a concentrated effort to stop the smuggling of thalidomide (Thalomid) into Canada. Also, Health Canada is halting all orders and shipments of unlicensed versions of thalidomide as well as the licensed brands from Mexico and other developing countries. These measures were taken after recent news articles focused on myeloma patients smuggling low-priced thalidomide into Canada.

Despite these actions, the issue of how patients who cannot afford thalidomide are to obtain the …