The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) Unveils 2023-2027 Global Strategy Plan

IMF President and CEO and 28-year myeloma survivor Yelak Biru unveils the organization’s Global Strategy Plan for 2023-2027. According to Yelak, these are “a set of strategies” that were “written over the last nine months with input from patients we serve, global key opinion leaders, industry partners, and other collaborators. The strategy focuses on purposeful targeted innovation in the service of those who need us most.” Watch the video of Yelak’s introduction of the IMF 2023-2027 Global Strategy Plan and then download the IMF Strategy Plan here. Together, we look toward a future with a cure.

FDA Approves TALVEY™ (talquetamab-tgvs) for Heavily Pre-Treated Multiple Myeloma

In this August 10, 2023 press release, the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson announced that "the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted accelerated approval of TALVEY™ (talquetamab-tgvs), a first-in-class bispecific antibody for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least four prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and an anti-CD38 antibody." Read the full press release to learn more.

Co-pay Assistance Programs: Now Accepting Applications

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.

Visit the IMF Financial Resources to view a comprehensive list of programs that provide financial assistance.

Register Now for the In-Person 2023 Patient and Family Seminar in Los Angeles This 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 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. To attend in person, register at the button below. If you are unable to attend, you may register for the livestream here.

Register for the 11th Annual Miracles for Myeloma 5K Hybrid Run/Walk

Lace up your sneakers and join us for an incredible cause at the 11th Annual Miracles for Myeloma 5K Run/Walk. We're thrilled to invite you to a day filled with hope, inspiration, and community as we gather on October 14 in Oak Ridge Park in Clark, New Jersey. You can join us at 10 a.m. on that day to race in person, or you can log your miles and race virtually. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just love a leisurely stroll, this event is for everyone. By participating, you're making a direct impact on the lives of those affected by myeloma and contributing to groundbreaking research that brings us closer to a cure. Contact Ron Pask at 732-574-9182 or [email protected] to learn more. See you at the starting line!

Register for the In-Person IMF Regional Community Workshop in Denver

The in-person IMF Regional Community Workshop will take place on Saturday, August 12 from 9 a.m. MST to 3 p.m. MST 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 Sarah Keltzenbeger 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 fill up. 

Register for the In-Person IMF Regional Community Workshop in Minneapolis

The in-person IMF Regional Community Workshop will take place on August 26 at 9 a.m. CST – 3 p.m. CST at the Heritage Center—Carriage Hall (6155 Earle Brown Drive) in Minneapolis. IMF Senior Director of Regional Community Workshops Kelly Cox will welcome attendees along with speakers, Jonathan Kaufman, MD (Emory University, Winship Cancer Institute – Atlanta); IMF Chief Medical Officer Joseph Mikhael, MD, MEd (TGen, City of Hope Cancer Center – Phoenix); IMF Nurse Leadership Board Member Teresa Miceli RN, BSN, OCN (Mayo Clinic – Rochester, MN); and Minneapolis-based myeloma patient and care partner Steve and Sheila Ellingboe. 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 fill up.

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.

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What should myeloma patients know about talquetamab?