LLS to Fund Research into Myeloid Cancers

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), along with Janssen Research & Development, LLC, are committing $1.7 million towards research into a better understanding of myeloid diseases.

The new LLS initiative will focus on early-stage "myeloid" diseases, such as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), both of which can progress to the more deadly acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

The LLS is issuing a request for proposals with the intent of funding research projects at $400,000 each for a period of three years. The grants will be administered as part of LLS's new "Transforming Cures Initiative – Intercepting Progression to Advanced Myeloid Blood Cancers."

"LLS is committed to advancing research to address critical unmet medical needs," said LLS's Chief Scientific Officer Lee Greenberger, Ph.D. "The five-year survival rate for acute myeloid leukemia patients remains dismal, at approximately 20 percent, so any progress we can make to halt early-stage diseases before they progress to AML would be a tremendous advance for patients. Beyond this, the molecule defects in MDS and MPN are beginning to be understood, which leads the way to early intervention with novel therapeutic approaches. We greatly appreciate Janssen's vision in supporting this important initiative."

Source: PR Newswire