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Painkiller May Mobilize Stem Cells – Results of a recent U.S.-based study indicate that the painkiller meloxicam (Mobic) mobilizes stem cells from the bone marrow to the circulating blood so that they can be collected for stem cell transplantation. Like ibuprofen and aspirin, meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is being used for the treatment of pain, fever, and inflammation. However, it causes fewer gastro­intestinal side effects than ibuprofen and aspirin. The researchers found that meloxicam inhibited prostaglandin E2, a hormone-like substance that participates in a wide range of body functions, which in turn caused modest levels of stem cells, as the study investigators described it, to leave the bone marrow. For more information, please see the study in the journal Nature (abstract).

Spectrum Licenses New Formulation Of Melphalan From Ligand – Spectrum Pharmaceuticals announced earlier this month that they have licensed a new intravenous formulation of melphalan (Alkeran) from Ligand Pharmaceuticals. The new formulation does not include propylene glycol, which is used in the current intravenous formulation of melphalan and has been reported to cause kidney- and heart-related side effects.  If the new formulation proves to be safer, it may allow physicians to administer melphalan at higher doses. The new formulation has received orphan drug designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA’s orphan drug program encourages the development of treatments for rare diseases. Companies developing an orphan-designated drug receive targeted tax incentives and fee reductions.  In addition, if an orphan-designated drug is eventually approved by the FDA, it is given extended protection against certain kinds of competition.  Spectrum expects to file a new drug application with the FDA in the first half of 2014. For more information, please see the Spectrum Pharmaceuticals press release.

Good Oral And Dental Health May Help Prevent Osteonecrosis Of The Jaw In Myeloma Patients – Results of a small German study indicate that good oral and dental health may help prevent the development of osteonecrosis of the jaw in multiple myeloma patients. Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a condition that is associated with a loss of blood supply to the jaw, causing the jawbone tissue to die. It can occur in multiple myeloma patients during bisphosphonate treatment. The German researchers found that patients with good oral and dental health had a significantly longer time without osteonecrosis of the jaw after the start of bisphosphonate treatment (40 months) than patients with poor oral and dental health (14 months). However, the researchers also found that these factors did not play a role in the course of the ostenecrosis once the disease occurred. For more information, please see the study in the journal Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (abstract).