The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) and Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium (MMRC) to Present 11 Oral or Poster Sessions at the 54th Annual American Society of Hematology (ASH) Meeting

NORWALK, Conn. -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) and their affiliate organization and clinical research network the Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium (MMRC) today announced that 11 abstracts from its research and development collaborations with academia and industry have been accepted for oral and poster presentations at the 54^th Annual American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition to be held December 8 - 11, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia.

In a poster presentation, the MMRF will highlight key elements of the design of its landmark CoMMpass^(SM) (Relating Clinical Outcomes in Multiple Myeloma to Personal Assessment of Genetic Profile) study, which is collecting cutting-edge, comprehensive clinical information and molecular profiling of 1,000 newly diagnosed patients over a minimum of five years. CoMMpass will provide researchers insight into patients’ disease progression and their responsiveness to specific treatment regimens, thereby characterizing the subtypes of multiple myeloma and enabling individualized treatment approaches. The study has enrolled over 280 patients since opening in July 2011 and includes 55 participating sites in the US.

Additionally, MMRC partners at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis will be presenting data analyzed from the MMRF Multiple Myeloma Genomics Initiative (MMGI), a program that comprises several research and discovery efforts spanning the spectrum of genome science, including whole genome and whole exome sequencing and involving the analysis of tumor and normal patient samples from the MMRC Tissue Bank. Data that will be presented at this meeting were accessed from the Multiple Myeloma Genomics Portal (www.myelomagenomics.org), a publicly shared database from the MMGI and other multiple myeloma research initiatives.

The other nine presentations include data from multiple myeloma trials conducted within the MMRC network in patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma. Among these MMRC presentations, six will focus on data from studies of pomalidomide (currently under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration) in combination with low-dose dexamethasone. These data include updated Phase II results in patients who were previously treated with lenalidomide and bortezomib; results from a Phase I dose-escalating study of the combination of pomalidomide, bortezomib and low-dose dexamethasone; treatment outcomes in patients with specific cytogenetic abnormalities; the impact of renal function on patient outcomes; improvements in clinical benefit parameters in a Phase II study; and outcomes based on prior treatment exposure.

Also being presented are results from a Phase I study of an Aurora Kinase inhibitor in combination with bortezimib, a Phase I/II study of bendamustine in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, and a Phase I dose-escalating study of an oral dual TORC 1/2 inhibitor.

“The data presented at ASH span research programs with the most incredible potential for next-generation treatments for this devastating disease, and demonstrate the incredible power that innovative partnerships can have in advancing research,” stated Michael N. Needle, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of the MMRF and MMRC. “This has been a pivotal year for accomplishments in multiple myeloma research, development and treatment options, including the first FDA approval of a multiple myeloma treatment in five years, and we look forward to our continued work with our dedicated partners to rapidly advance innovative treatment approaches and options for patients.”

MMRC presentations at ASH will include:

Abstract #:		1859
TITLE:		Phase I Study of Aurora Kinase Inhibitor MLN8237 and Bortezomib in Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma
MMRC Trial Lead Author:		A. Keith Stewart, MBChB
Poster Session:		653. Myeloma - Therapy, excluding Transplantation: Poster I
Date:		Saturday, December 8, 2012
Presentation Time:		5:30 - 7:30 PM
Location:		Hall B1-B2, Level 1, Building B (Georgia World Congress Center)
Abstract #:		2965
TITLE:		Phase I/II, Multicenter, Open-Label, Dose-Escalation Study of Bendamustine in Combination with Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone (BRD) in Patients with Relapsed Multiple Myeloma: A Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium Study
MMRC Trial Lead Author:		Shaji K. Kumar, MD
Poster Session:		653. Myeloma - Therapy, excluding Transplantation: Poster II
Date:		Sunday, December 9, 2012
Presentation Time:		6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location:		Hall B1-B2, Level 1, Building B (Georgia World Congress Center)

Abstract #:		450
TITLE		Pomalidomide (POM) with Low-Dose Dexamethasone (LoDex) in Patients (Pts) with Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma Who Have Received Prior Therapy with Lenalidomide (LEN) and Bortezomib (BORT): Updated Phase II Results and Age Subgroup Analysis
MMRC Trial Lead Author:		Sundar Jagannath, MD
Oral Session:		653. Myeloma - Therapy, excluding Transplantation II
Date:		Monday, December 10, 2012
Presentation Time:		11:45 AM
Location:		Thomas Murphy Ballroom 2-3, Level 5, Building B (Georgia World Congress Center)

Abstract #:		727
TITLE:		MM-005: A Phase I, Multicenter, Open-Label, Dose-Escalation Study to Determine the Maximum Tolerated Dose for the Combination of Pomalidomide, Bortezomib, and Low-Dose Dexamethasone in Subjects with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma
MMRC Trial Lead Author:		Paul G. Richardson, MD
Oral Session:		653. Myeloma - Therapy, excluding Transplantation: Poster III
Date:		Monday, December 10, 2012
Presentation Time:		4:30 PM
Location:		Thomas Murphy Ballroom 2-3, Level 5, Building B (Georgia World Congress Center)

Abstract #:		4053
TITLE:		Treatment Outcomes with Pomalidomide (POM) in Combination with Low-Dose Dexamethasone (LoDex) in Patients with Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM) and Del(17p13) and/or t(4;14)(p16;q32) Cytogenetic Abnormalities Who Have Received Prior Therapy with Lenalidomide (LEN) and Bortezomib (BORT)
MMRC Trial Lead Author:		Paul G. Richardson, MD
Poster Session:		653. Myeloma – Therapy, excluding Transplantation: Poster III
Date:		Monday, December 10, 2012
Presentation Time:		6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location:		Hall B1-B2, Level 1, Building B (Georgia World Congress Center)

Abstract #:		4072
TITLE:		Pomalidomide (POM) with Low-Dose Dexamethasone (LoDEX) in Patients with Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM): Impact of Renal Function on Patient Outcomes
MMRC Trial Lead Author:		David S. Siegel, MD, PhD
Poster Session:		653. Myeloma - Therapy, excluding Transplantation: Poster III
Date:		Monday, December 10, 2012
Presentation Time:		6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location:		Hall B1-B2, Level 1, Building B (Georgia World Congress Center)

Abstract #:		4052
TITLE:		Improvement in Clinical Benefit Parameters with Pomalidomide (POM) in Combination with Low-Dose Dexamethasone (LoDEX) in Patients with Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM): Results From a Phase II Study
MMRC Trial Lead Author:		Sagar Lonial, MD
Oral Session:		653. Myeloma - Therapy, excluding Transplantation: Poster III
Date:		Monday, December 10, 2012
Presentation Time:		6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location:		Hall B1-B2, Level 1, Building B (Georgia World Congress Center)

Abstract #:		4070
TITLE:		Pomalidomide (POM) with Low-Dose Dexamethasone (LoDEX) in Patients with Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM): Outcomes Based on Prior Treatment Exposure
MMRC Trial Lead Author:		Ravi Vij, MD
Oral Session:		653. Myeloma - Therapy, excluding Transplantation: Poster III
Date:		Monday, December 10, 2012
Presentation Time:		6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location:		Hall B1-B2, Level 1, Building B (Georgia World Congress Center)

Abstract #:		4038
TITLE:		MLN0128 (INK128), an Investigational Oral Dual TORC1/2 Inhibitor, in Patients (pts) with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma (MM), Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL), or Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia (WM): Preliminary Results From a Phase I Dose-Escalation Study
MMRC Trial Lead Author:		Irene M. Ghobrial, MD
Poster Session:		653. Myeloma – Therapy, excluding Transplantation: Poster III
Date:		Monday, December 10, 2012
Presentation Time:		6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location:		Hall B1-B2, Level 1, Building B (Georgia World Congress Center)

Abstract #:		3991
TITLE:		Genome-Wide Copy Number Analyses Correlated with Outcomes in Untreated Multiple Myeloma Patients
MMRC Trial Lead Author:		Vishwanathan Hucthagowder, PhD
Poster Session:		651. Myeloma - Biology and Pathophysiology, excluding Therapy: Poster III
Date:		Monday, December 10, 2012
Presentation Time:		6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location:		Hall B1-B2, Level 1, Building B (Georgia World Congress Center)

Abstract #:		3980
TITLE:		The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) CoMMpass(SM) Study: A Longitudinal Study in Newly-Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Patients to Assess Genomic Profiles, Immunophenotypes and Clinical Outcomes
MMRC Trial Lead Author:		Michael N. Needle, MD
Poster Session:		651. Myeloma - Biology and Pathophysiology, excluding Therapy: Poster III
Date:		Monday, December 10, 2012
Presentation Time:		6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location:		Hall B1-B2, Level 1, Building B (Georgia World Congress Center)

About the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF)

The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation was established in 1998 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization by twin sisters Karen Andrews and Kathy Giusti, soon after Kathy’s diagnosis with multiple myeloma. The mission of the MMRF is to relentlessly pursue innovative means that accelerate the development of next-generation multiple myeloma treatments to extend the lives of patients and lead to a cure. As the world’s number-one private funder of multiple myeloma research, the MMRF has raised over $200 million since its inception and directs 90% of total budget to research and related programming. As a result, the MMRF has been awarded Charity Navigator’s coveted four-star rating for nine consecutive years, the highest designation for outstanding fiscal responsibility and exceptional efficiency. For more information about the MMRF, please visit www.themmrf.org.

About the Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium

The Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium (MMRC) is a 509(a)3 non-profit organization that integrates leading academic institutions to accelerate drug development in multiple myeloma. It is led from MMRC offices in Norwalk, Conn., and comprises 16 member institutions: Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center at Dallas, City of Hope, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Emory University's Winship Cancer Institute, the John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, Mayo Clinic, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Ohio State University, Sarah Cannon Research Institute, University Health Network (Princess Margaret Hospital), University of California-San Francisco, University of Chicago, University of Michigan, Virginia Cancer Specialists, and Washington University in St. Louis.

The MMRC is the only consortium to join academic institutions through membership agreements, customized IT systems, and an integrated tissue bank. For more information, please visit www.themmrc.org.