Why Some People Infected with COVID-19 Are Asymptomatic 

In this week’s blog, IMF Chairman of the Board and Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Brian G.M. Durie discusses recent findings of an important study made by immunogeneticist Jill Hollenbach and her team at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Results of the study explain why 20 percent of infected individuals were asymptomatic during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and how the gene mutation HLA-B*15:01 is responsible for this outcome. Dr. Durie further rationalizes the implications of this new discovery, when it comes to controlling and preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus and other viruses; supporting other studies being made for individuals experiencing Long COVID symptoms; as well as its potential impact on myeloma research in terms of assessing the development of MGUS or myeloma. 

World-Renowned Scientist, S. Vincent Rajkumar, MD, Appointed as Chairman-Elect of the Board of Directors of the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF)  

The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) today announced that world-renowned myeloma clinician and researcher S. Vincent Rajkumar, MD, has been appointed Chairman-Elect of the Board of the foundation. Dr. Rajkumar will take on the full role as Chairman of the Board when Dr. Brian G.M. Durie’s current term ends in the Spring of 2024. Brian G.M. Durie, MD, IMF Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors for 33 years, has informed the IMF Board that he will not seek re-election as Chairman for the 2024 term.  

Dr. Durie will remain a member of the Board of Directors and will hold the new position of Chairman Emeritus. All his other responsibilities and activities will continue, including his current positions: as Chief Scientific Officer; Co-chair of the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG); Executive Chair of the Asian Myeloma Network (AMN) and the Black Swan Research Initiative (BSRI); and as Co-Leader of the i2TEAMM FDA MRD initiative and a fundraiser for the IMF. Additionally, Dr. Durie will continue doing his Week in Review blogs, the Ask Dr. Durie videos, and many other patient activities. The IMF is immensely grateful to Dr. Durie for his years of service and to Dr. Rajkumar for his humble acceptance of his new role. Read the full press release to learn more. 

Co-pay Assistance Programs Accepting Applications Now!

Myeloma patients on Medicare: The HealthWell Foundation has opened a fund to help with co-pays/premiums. The maximum award level is $12,000, covering various treatments. Check eligibility and apply now. 

The Patient Advocate Foundation Medical Insurance Premium Assistance Co-Pay Relief Fund is open. Don't miss out on support for co-pays, co-insurance, deductibles, and medical insurance premiums. Apply Now.

From the button below, visit IMF Financial Resources for a comprehensive list of other such funds. 

Now Available: The 2023 Summer Edition of Myeloma Today

In the 2023 summer edition of Myeloma Today, IMF Chairman of the Board and Chief Scientific Officer Brian G.M. Durie, MD, discusses the 14th Annual Summit of the IMF’s International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG), as well as key data presented at the annual congresses of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the European Hematology Association (EHA). IMF Chief Medical Officer Joseph Mikhael, MD, discusses studies of CAR T-cell therapies that demonstrate promise earlier in the course of myeloma. Also, the IMF honors María-Victoria Mateos, MD, PhD, and Thomas Martin, MD, for their outstanding work in myeloma research; the IMF’s Nurse Leadership Board (NLB) launches Myeloma University, an educa­tional resource to help nurses and other healthcare professionals keep up with the rapid changes in myeloma care; the IMF’s Global Myeloma Action Network (GMAN) convenes its 10th Annual GMAN Summit; and more. Myeloma Today is available to download for FREE.

International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) to Hold In-Person 2023 Patient and Family Seminar in Los Angeles in August

The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is excited to announce that an in-person Patient and Family Seminar will take place from August 18-19 at Sofitel Los Angeles (8555 Beverly Blvd.) in Los Angeles, CA. IMF Chairman of the Board and Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Brian G.M. Durie, along with IMF Patient, President & CEO Yelak Biru and IMF Vice President of Support Groups Robin Tuohy will join the following expert myeloma speakers: Rafat Abonour, MD (University of Indiana—Indianapolis, IN); IMF NLB Board Member Donna D. Catamero, ANP-BC, OCN, CCRC (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai —New York, NY); Ajai Chari, MD (The Mount Sinai Hospital—New York, NY); Noopur S. Raje, MD (Massachusetts General Hospital—Boston, MA); Daryl Tan, MBBS, M Med, MRCP, FAMS (Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital—Singapore); and Robert A. Vescio, MD (Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute—Los Angeles, CA). The seminar is FREE, but in-person seating is limited.

Join the In-Person IMF Regional Community Workshop in Denver

The in-person IMF Regional Community Workshop will take place on Saturday, August 12, at the Clements Community Center—Lakewood Room (1580 Yarrow Street) in Lakewood, CO. IMF Senior Director of Regional Community Workshops Kelly Cox will welcome attendees along with speakers, Jeff Matous, MD, (Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center—Denver, CO); Craig Cole, MD, (Karmanos Cancer Institute, Michigan State University—Lansing, MI); IMF Nurse Leadership Board Member Tiffany Richards, PhD, ANP-BC, AOCNP®, (MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Lymphoma/Myeloma—Houston, Texas); and Denver-based myeloma patient Carol Smith and her care partner Stan Smith. The workshop will include an introduction to myeloma, upfront treatments at diagnosis, maintenance therapy, relapse information, an update on clinical trials, and more. Register today before slots get filled up.

Upcoming Facebook Live with Dr. Joseph Mikhael

Join IMF Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joseph Mikhael on Facebook Live on Wednesday, July 26, at 4 p.m. PST | 7 p.m. EST and ask questions about multiple myeloma. Visit the event page and click the "GOING" button to receive notifications and updates about this event. Share the event with your Facebook friends by clicking the "INVITE" button.

Now Accepting Applications: The 2024 Brian D. Novis Research Grants

The Brian D. Novis Research Grant was established in 1995 to honor IMF co-founder Brian D. Novis, who succumbed to multiple myeloma in July 1992. The grants are awarded to researchers working in the field of multiple myeloma and related disorders, including smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), and immunoglobulin-derived amyloidosis. The grants will support senior research projects with $80,000 each and junior research projects with $50,000 each. Deadline for submission of applications is August 28, 2023.