Celgene To Acquire Gloucester Pharmaceuticals And Potential Myeloma Drug Istodax – Celgene Corporation has announced its decision to merge with the privately held Gloucester Pharmaceuticals Inc. for $340 million in cash plus $300 million in future payments. The transaction is expected to be completed in early 2010. Gloucester’s first drug, Istodax (romidepsin), received FDA approval in November 2009 for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Clinical trials studying the effects of Istodax and Velcade (bortezomib) in multiple myeloma are underway. For more information, please see the Celgene press release.

MMRC Honors Dana-Farber Cancer Institute With 2009 Center Of The Year Award – The Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium (MMRC) awarded its 2009 Center of the Year Award to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for its excellence in the number of clinical trials launched, the speed at which they were opened, and the number of patients enrolled in the trials. The Award will be accompanied by a one-year grant to fund a multiple myeloma clinical trial project coordinator at Dana-Farber. For more information, please see the MMRC press release.

Volunteer At 2010 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – The 2010 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend will take place January 7 through 10. Events include the Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon, Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, Disney/Pixar UP & Away Family Fun Run 5K, Mickey’s Marathon Kids’ Fest and Mickey Mile, and Disney’s Health & Fitness Expo. The Marathon Weekend will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Registration to participate in the events is almost full, but volunteers are still needed to provide assistance during the weekend. For more information, please see the Disney World Sports Web site.

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