Newly Published Clinical Data of Oral Cancer Drug REVLIMID Demonstrates Survival

“The EMP is excited by the potential impact that novel therapies, such as REVLIMID, are having on the treatment of multiple myeloma patients,” said Dr. Rolf Pelzing, Chairperson, EMP, “From personal experience, I can testify to the positive benefits of REVLIMID for patients. The EMP hopes that ongoing research, like these major international trials, will help to further the understanding of multiple myeloma and enable healthcare providers to have the necessary tools to turn the disease into a chronic, manageable condition.”

Multiple myeloma is a rare form of cancer of plasma cells. It is the second most common cancer of the blood, affecting over 80,000 people in Europe and an estimated 750,000 worldwide at any one time. Although once considered a disease of the elderly, multiple myeloma is increasing in incidence and being diagnosed among younger people – with half of the patients diagnosed today being younger than 60.

REVLIMID (lenalidomide) from Celgene is the newest of what are called the novel therapies which have changed the outlook for myeloma patients and are helping patients live longer with a better quality of life. REVLIMID has been approved in combination with dexamethasone for patients who have received at least one prior therapy in the U.S. and Europe.

EMP participated in meetings with the EMEA in advance of the European approval to represent the interests of myeloma patients and is continuing to work with local regulatory agencies to help secure local approval and reimbursement. EMP is working closely with the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) and is striving to educate and empower myeloma patients across Europe.

EMP is a European umbrella organization of myeloma patient support groups. In accordance with the spirit of its basic motive, “Patients for Patients,” it is the only pan-European myeloma patient organization that is run by patients and their relatives for other patients.