NORWALK, Conn., Dec. 7, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium (MMRC) today announced that it has awarded Emory University and Sagar Lonial, MD, associate professor at Emory University's Winship Cancer Institute, with the 2007 MMRC Center of the Year Award. The MMRC Center of the Year Award recognizes the outstanding efforts of an MMRC Member Institution and its respective principal investigator in advancing the field of multiple myeloma research and drug development.
The MMRC is the only research model of its kind that brings together 13 leading academic institutions to accelerate the development of novel and combination treatments for multiple myeloma, an incurable cancer of the plasma cell. The MMRC is supporting several clinical trials, including:
* two Phase II studies of Carfilzomib (PR-171), a proteasome inhibitor, in collaboration with by Proteolix, Inc.; * a Phase II study of LBH589, a deacetylase inhibitor, in collaboration with Novartis Pharmaceuticals; * a Phase I study of NPI-0052, a proteasome inhibitor, in collaboration with Nereus Pharmaceuticals; and * a Phase I study of perifosine, Revlimid(r), and dexamethasone in collaboration with Keryx Biopharmaceuticals.
In awarding the 2007 MMRC Center of the Year Award, the MMRC evaluated its member institutions on their ability to meet several milestones, including the number of clinical trials launched, the speed at which clinical trials were opened, and the number of patients enrolled in the clinical trials. MMRC member institutions were also evaluated on their engagement in MMRC's mission, as evidenced by their contribution of new ideas and institutional engagement.
Under the leadership of Dr. Lonial, Emory University has opened eight clinical trials to date and has consistently met or exceeded patient enrollment forecasts. Dr. Lonial was also recognized for his exemplary stewardship of pharmaceutical and biotech industry partners and his focused leadership in advancing novel pre-clinical and clinical research ideas.
"The MMRC is a model of innovation and advocacy," said Dr. Lonial. "I am deeply honored to have received this recognition on behalf of Emory University and the many colleagues with whom I work. At Emory, we are encouraged to develop translational research initiatives that will lead to better patient care. The MMRC plays a vital leadership role in supporting these initiatives and the translation of science into the clinic."
"As a results-driven organization, the MMRC holds its Member Institutions to the highest degree of accountability in reaching research milestones to accelerate drug development," said MMRC Founder and CEO Kathy Giusti. "This honor is truly a testament to Sagar Lonial, whose tenacity and compassion for patients continues to drive Emory University's success within the Consortium and serves as a model for other MMRC Member Institutions."
About the Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium (MMRC)
The Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium (MMRC) is a 509(a)3 non-profit organization that integrates leading academic institutions to accelerate drug development in multiple myeloma. It is led from MMRC offices in Norwalk, Conn., and comprises 13 member institutions: City of Hope, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Emory University's Winship Cancer Institute, the Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Mayo Clinic, Ohio State University, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, St. Vincent's Comprehensive Cancer Center of Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Centers of New York, University Health Network (Princess Margaret Hospital), University of Chicago, University of Michigan, and Washington University.
The MMRC was founded in 2004 by Kathy Giusti, a myeloma patient, and with the help of the scientific community. The MMRC is a sister organization to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF), the world's leading funder of multiple myeloma research. The MMRC is widely recognized as an optimal research model to rapidly address critical challenges in drug development and to explore opportunities in the today's most promising research areas-genomics, compound validation, and clinical trials. The MMRC is the only consortium to join academic institutions through membership agreements, customized IT systems, and an integrated tissue bank. For more information, please visit www.themmrc.org.
About Emory University's Winship Cancer Institute
As a leader in patient-centered cancer care and research, Emory University's Winship Cancer Institute serves as the coordinating center for a vast array of resources in medical, surgical, radiation oncology, diagnostic imaging, and the subspecialties of cancer care throughout Emory University -- from blood and bone marrow stem cell transplants to internationally recognized breast reconstruction.
The Emory Winship Cancer Institute, like may programs at Emory, is enhanced by its close relationship with the neighboring U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as Emory's own School of Medicine, Rollins School of Public Health, and the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, all with strong cancer related programs. In addition, our relationship with the Atlanta-based American Cancer Society continues to grow in terms of research and educational outreach collaborations.