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Coverage Of Velcade For Myeloma Is Expanded In Scotland – The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has approved the use of Velcade (bortezomib) for multiple myeloma patients who have relapsed after at least one prior therapy and who have previously undergone or are unable to receive a bone marrow transplant. Previously, Scottish patients were required to fail at least two treatments before being eligible to receive Velcade. Under the deal, Velcade’s manufacturer, Janssen-Cilag, has agreed to cover the cost of Velcade for any patients who do not respond to the treatment. It was announced in March that the National Health Service in Scotland would begin considering such cost sharing deals (related Beacon news). For more information, please visit the SMC Web site.

Kansas City Area Regional Community Workshop – On November 21, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) will hold a workshop in Overland Park, KS. The guest speaker, Delva Deauna-Limayo, M.D., a myeloma specialist at the Nevada Cancer Institute in Las Vegas will talk about multiple myeloma, treatment options at diagnosis and relapse, why participation in clinical trials is important, and management of side effects. The program will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m. For more information or to register, please visit the IMF Web site.

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