The majority of myeloma patients develop bone disease, which is caused by two main factors: stimulation of cells that break down bone and suppression of cells that make bone. Drugs that alter these processes have therapeutic potential for bone disease.

A biological pathway called RANKL is known to increase break down of bone. Scientists have developed an antibody called denosumab, which decreases bone destruction by blocking the RANKL pathway. One dose of denosumab reduces bone resorption for 90 days. Denosumab is currently in clinical trials; however, it is …

A large-scale, retrospective study has confirmed an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) with multiple myeloma or its precursor condition, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).

DVT is a potentially lethal clot formation in the deep veins of the body. If a clot dislodges, it may travel to other areas and block blood flow to vital organs. Researchers estimate that approximately 70 percent of all critical blockages of lung blood vessels originate from DVT in the pelvis or lower extremities.

In this study, which involved over four million male veterans, multiple …

Researchers from the Mayo Clinic today reported positive results of a Phase 2 clinical trial combining Actimid (pomalidomide) with low-dose dexamethasone (pom-dex) in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma patients. The results were presented earlier today at the 50th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH).

Actimid, also known as pomalidomide or CC-4047, is a molecular relative of the commonly used myeloma treatment thalidomide (Thalomid). Like thalidomide, Actimid is an immunomodulatory agent, meaning that it has the ability to alter or regulate the body's immune response. Both drugs …

Brand Name:
Generic Name:	pomalidomide
Code Name:	CC-4047, Actimid
Company:	Celgene
FDA Clinical Phase:	1/2

Description:

Pomalidomide (new articles, forum discussions) is an immunomodulatory agent (a drug that affects the immune system) that encourages a patient’s immune system to attack and destroy myeloma cells.