AKT is an important enzyme involved in cell signaling and has been identified as playing a role in the development and progression of several types of cancers, including multiple myeloma. Perifosine (KRX-0401), developed by Keryx Biopharmaceuticals, is a novel, first-in-class, oral compound that inhibits AKT, as well as modulates a number of other critical signaling pathways known to play a role in cancer. Pre-clinical and clinical research studies suggest that Perifosine has activity in patients with multiple myeloma.

The MMRC and Keryx Biopharmaceuticals have launched a Phase I clinical trial of Perifosine, Revlimid®, and dexamethasone for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Pre-clinical studies show increased anti-myeloma activity of this three drug combination when compared to each drug alone or a combinations of two. This study is being conducted to determine the safety and efficacy of this novel combination, as well as the highest possible dose at which KRX-0401 can be safely given with this combination to myeloma patients. Notably, this clinical trial is the first time a convenient oral triplet therapy being explored in the clinical setting for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

This trial will be conducted at several of the MMRC's Member Institutions, including:

• University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
• Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
• Emory University
• H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute
• University of Chicago

For more information about this clinical trial, contact Alicia Sable-Hunt, RN, MMRC Program Manager, at sablehunt@themmrc.org.