Most of you probably know that I have been working on several new books about multiple myeloma. 

I just posted a press release from Celgene, announcing their 3rd quarter financials for 2011 on my MyelomaNews.com site.

The Myeloma Beacon just broke the story about how the FDA is investigating Revlimid and Thalomid, based on research data showing a possible secondary cancer risk following long term, post transplant use.

Here is an independent look at the pending investigation by Internal Medical News.  I have highlighted key points I feel are important:

According to a new Czech study, posted earlier this month on Pub Med.gov, it doesn’t matter whether you pick thalidomide (Thalomid) or bortezomib (Velcade) for treatment following first relapse.  Apparently both work about one half of the time.

Multiple myeloma news runs in cycles and streaks.  The calendar revolves around the two largest U.S. hematology and oncology conferences:  The American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO) meetings in June, and the American Society of Hematology (ASH) meetings in December.

Celgene Corporation, makers of the oral, anti-myeloma chemotherapy agent, Revlimid, announced their 4th quarter and full-year financials this morning.

Here is an in-depth, candid look at the English system of state controlled health care, where recommendations from a group of English physicians and medical experts known as NICE sometimes limits patient access to some drugs the group deems ineffective or too expensive.

I have received a number of calls and e-mails recently from patients who’s multiple myeloma has become active again while using Revlimid, Velcade, or both.  Here is a short, hopeful response I found addressing this on the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) Website:
Treatment Options for Relapsed or Refractory Patients Failing Revlimid and Velcade:

Q&A with Dr. Keith Stewart, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona
What are my current options if I fail Revlimid® (lenalidomide) and Velcade® (bortezomib)?
Fortunately, there are many existing therapies available for the treatment of relapsed and/or refractory myeloma. Conventional chemotherapy drugs that may be effective include Cytoxan® (cyclophosphamide), melphalan, and anthracyclines such as doxorubicin or Doxil® (doxorubicin HCL liposome injection). Thalomid® (thalidomide) may still be an option if patients have not received it previously. These drugs may be used in various combinations that may even include trying Velcade or Revlimid again.

I thought this was interesting… A short but technical abstract from Spain:

I had already written part of today’s article. But after reading this comment from Nick in California, defending the MMRF, I decided to go in a different direction:

I have commented about racial disparities many times before. Here is another study with states the obvious:

As promised, today I would like to take a look at how a drug like thalidomide, which was first created and distributed over forty years ago, could still be controlled by drug maker Celgene.

Rumors and conspiracy theories involving cancer drug companies like Celgene, makers of Thalomid, Revlimd and Actimid (pomalidomide, originally labeled CC-4047), are not uncommon among multiple myeloma patients–especially when you add the “wild, wild west” of the “anything goes” Internet to the mix.

Yesterday I had a little fun with the “what if” game. What if there was a generic form of Revlimid? How would that affect patients and future drug development if all of those long term profits were lost?

Here is a timely press release, filed by Celgene and posted on Yahoo Finance, which relates to our ongoing discussion concerning the high cost of anti-multiple myeloma chemotherapy medications:
Celgene Expects to Receive a Paragraph IV Notification of an ANDA Filing for REVLIMID®
SUMMIT, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ: CELG – News) today announced that information was posted on the FDA Web site indicating that an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) has been received by the Office of Generic Drugs (OGD) containing a “Paragraph IV” patent certification, for REVLIMID (lenalidomide) 25 mg capsules. Celgene has not yet received the Paragraph IV notification letter identifying the filer.