| Dear Friend: We are pleased to provide you with the June 2005 edition of the MMRC Update. This monthly briefing was created to keep you informed of the MMRC's progress toward its ultimate goal of accelerating drug development and improving patient outcomes. We hope you find this newsletter informative and we welcome any feedback you may have. For more information, contact us at info@themmrc.org. Thank you for your support of the MMRC. |
The MMRC, in partnership with Chiron Corporation, has initiated its first Phase I trial of CHIR-258 in patients with multiple myeloma. CHIR-258, an orally available kinase inhibitor developed by Chiron, is the first new candidate to be tested through the MMRC's integrated research model. "We are pleased to be working with some of the world's leading investigators through the MMRC," said Stephen Dilly, MD, chief medical officer, Chiron BioPharmaceuticals. "The MMRC model fits well with Chiron's translational medicine approach to oncology drug development, and CHIR-258 has demonstrated properties in preclinical study that make it a promising candidate for development in solid and hematologic malignancies, including multiple myeloma."
The MMRC has received a grant in the amount of $250,000 from Novartis Oncology. Over a period of two years, these critical funds will be used to support high-quality genomics research. "Novartis is pleased to support the MMRC in its research efforts," said Deborah Dunsire, MD, Senior Vice President and North American Region Head at Novartis Oncology. "The caliber of the MMRC Institutions, combined with the establishment of the MMRC's state-of-the-art tissue bank and data systems, ensures that the MMRC is in a unique position to conduct novel and far-reaching research, including strong genomic science." The MMRC extends its deepest gratitude for the receipt of this generous grant.
The MMRC is pleased to offer a new video presentation of the MMRC model. Featuring world-renowned experts and thought-leaders from the MMRC's External Advisory Board--including Brian Druker, MD, Professor of Medicine at Oregon Health & Science University, and Arthur Holden, Chairman of the SNP Consortium - as well as members of the MMRC Leadership Team, this video discusses how the MMRC's innovative model is accelerating drug development in myeloma. Click here to view the video.
