The MDS Beacon™

Natco Pharma Applies To Sell Generic Lenalidomide In The U.S. – The Indian drug company Natco Pharma filed a request with the Food and Drug Administration to market generic lenalidomide before Celgene’s patents on Revlimid (lenalidomide) expire in 2026. Revlimid is approved in the U.S. for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) as well as multiple myeloma. Investment analysts have speculated that the patent that extends Revlimid’s exclusivity from 2019 to 2026 is being challenged. Despite this application, the sale of generic lenalidomide is not likely for at least several years. Celgene plans to sue Natco for patent infringement, which would automatically result in a 30-month delay of Natco’s application to sell generic lenalidomide in order to settle the lawsuit. For more information, see the Dow Jones article.

New Myelodysplastic Syndromes Center Opens In New York City – NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Columbia University Medical Center have created a new myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) center that will focus on research and treatment. Dr. Azra Raza, an MDS specialist from Columbia University, will head the new center. Research at the center currently includes the investigation of treatments with tolerable side effects for newly diagnosed MDS patients, as well as the use of genetic testing to determine which patients are most likely to respond to treatment. The center’s goals include controlling symptoms, improving quality of life, and improving survival. For more information, see the NewYork-Presbyterian website.