Eighth Canadian Province Approves Revlimid Funding – Revlimid (lenalidomide) in combination with dexamethasone (Decadron) is now funded and accessible in Manitoba, Canada for multiple myeloma patients who have been previously treated. Only two provinces, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, deny access to myeloma patients who do not have private insurance. Myeloma Canada, an organization dedicated to supporting myeloma patients, will continue campaigning for universal coverage of Revlimid. For more information, please see the Myeloma Canada press release.

Astex And MMRC Begin Phase 2 Study Of AT7519 For Myeloma – Astex Therapeutics has launched a Phase 2 clinical trial, funded by the Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium (MMRC), of AT7519 for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma patients. AT7519 is a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor that prevents the growth and spread of myeloma cells by interfering with cell division. Previous trials have shown it has significant anti-tumor effect. AT7519 will be tested alone and in combination with Velcade (bortezomib). For more information, see the MMRC press release.

IMF Will Hold Myeloma Patient And Family Seminar – The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) will hold an educational program for multiple myeloma patients and their families on August 27 and August 28 in Universal City, CA. Doctors in the myeloma field will answer questions and cover topics such as managing side effects, current standard treatments, and on-going clinical trials. The cost for the seminar is $60 per person. For more information or to register, please see the IMF website.

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