The Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium (MMRC) and Nereus Pharmaceuticals have begun patient enrollment for a Phase I single-agent, dose escalation trial of Nereus' second-generation proteasome inhibitor NPI-0052 in patients with relapsed or relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Click here to read more.

The MMRC is participating in a Phase II study of LBH589, an orally administered deacetylase inhibitor (DACi) developed by Novartis Pharmaceuticals. This trial, named ALPHA-MM, is open to patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least two lines of therapy, and whose disease progressed on their most recent therapy. MMRC Member Institutions that will enroll patients are Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Emory University, Hackensack University Medical Center, Mayo Clinic, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, and Washington University. This trial is a global study being conducted in the US, Canada, and Europe; including the MMRC, there are a total of 58 clinical sites in eight countries.

The MMRC is pleased to announce that Louise Perkins, PhD, has joined the MMRF as Director of Research. In this role, she is responsible for the strategic development and execution of the MMRF and MMRC research agenda. Dr. Perkins brings more than 15 years of oncology experience to the MMRF, most recently serving as the Director of Cancer Research and previously Director of Research Licensing and Administration at Bayer Pharmaceuticals. Prior to joining Bayer, Dr. Perkins led a team of scientists focused on tumor biology and small molecule discovery at Schering-Plough Research Institute. She can be reached at perkinsl@themmrf.org. Learn more about Louise Perkins, PhD on the MMRF website.

The MMRC is pleased to announce that Sandra M. Wear, RN, has joined the MMRC as Associate Director of Operations. In this role, Sandra will focus on the execution of pre-clinical and clinical projects within the Consortium. Sandra brings 27 years of experience as both Oncology nurse and a senior industry manager within healthcare, pharmaceutical and CRO industries. She most recently served as Assistant Director of Clinical Operations at Purdue Pharma and Vice President of Regional Monitoring Operations at Endpoint Research. Sandra can be reached at wears@themmrc.org. Learn more about Sandra M. Wear, RN on the MMRC website.