AbbVie Launches Multiple Myeloma Research Partnership

AbbVie recently announced the launch of a collaboration with the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) to conduct a retrospective review to improve the understanding of multiple myeloma (MM) to inform new treatment options, according to a press release.

"There are significant knowledge gaps about multiple myeloma, and among these gaps is the role of genetic mutations in response to treatment, and the related outcomes for patients," said Brian GM Durie, MD, IMF chairman. "This study has the potential to provide valuable real-world evidence that can help advance care for patients, and we are proud to join forces with AbbVie to further advance efforts in research and education in multiple myeloma."

The aim of the new partnership is to determine the overall survival of patients with MM who have a t(11;14) translocation. This mutation is present in up to 24% of FISH-tested cases of MM, according to the release.

In the new study, IMF researchers will review and characterize the outcomes of 1500 patients with the t(11;14) translocation. Secondary objectives include response rates, progression-free survival, time to progression, time to next therapy, duration of response, and overall survival (OS), according to the release.

Additionally, the study will also investigate prognostic factors of OS for patients with the t(11;14) translocation and identify other genetic mutations harbored by this patient population, according to AbbVie.

Globally, more than 86,000 patients are diagnosed with MM each year, with survival ranging from 29 months to 62 months. Much is still unknown about this blood cancer, which highlights the need for new research.

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"The partnership with the International Myeloma Foundation underscores our commitment to meaningfully advance the understanding of blood cancers and continue identifying scientific approaches that have the potential to improve care for patients with multiple myeloma," said Neil Gallagher, MD, PhD, vice president and head, global oncology development, AbbVie. "We look forward to the findings and to continue strengthening our ongoing research efforts to provide transformative therapies for patients with multiple myeloma and other blood cancers."