Interferons in the treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms
The MPNAA has just become aware of this extensive article about interferon, written by US haematologists and published in 2024 in Therapeutic Advances in Hematology.
As so many more MPN patients are now being treated with interferon, we have copied the abstract as well as a link to the full article which is free to access.
The abstract explains that ‘Interferons are cytokines with immunomodulatory properties and disease-modifying effects that have been used to treat myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) for more than 35?years. The initial use of interferons was limited due to difficulties with administration and a significant toxicity profile. Many of these shortcomings were addressed by covalently binding polyethylene glycol to the interferon structure, which increases the stability, prolongs activity, and reduces immunogenicity of the molecule.
In the current therapeutic landscape, pegylated interferons are recommended for use in the treatment of polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and primary myelofibrosis. We review recent efficacy, molecular response, and safety data for the two available pegylated interferons, peginterferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) and ropeginterferon alfa-2b-njft (BESREMi). The practical management of interferon-based therapies is discussed, along with our opinions on whether to and how to switch from hydroxyurea to one of these therapies. Key topics and questions related to use of interferons, such as their safety and tolerability, the significance of variant allele frequency, advantages of early treatment, and what the future of interferon therapy may look like, will be examined. Pegylated interferons represent an important therapeutic option for patients with MPNs; however, more research is still required to further refine interferon therapy.’
Here is the link Interferons in the treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms
Momelotinib (OMJJARA) now on PBS
The MPN AA is delighted to advise that the Australian government has now approved the inclusion of momelotinib, now known as OMJJARA, onto the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Momelotinib was originally developed in Melbourne. A short news item about its approval is HERE.
What is momelotinib (OMJJARA) and how does it work?
Momelotinib is a JAK inhibitor, similar to Ruxolitinib. By inhibiting JAKs, ‘momelotinib reduces the inflammation resulting from abnormal production of blood cells which relieves splenomegaly and symptoms caused by myelofibrosis.’
Momelotinib also tackles the issue of anaemia. It ‘blocks an additional receptor on cancer cells involved in regulating iron levels in the body, which can mean an increase in the number of red blood cells available. This may result in improvement of anaemia, including the need for transfusion of red blood cells.’
The formal Australian government approval is as follows: ‘OMJJARA is indicated for the treatment of disease-related splenomegaly or symptoms in adult patients with moderate to severe anaemia who have primary myelofibrosis, post polycythaemia vera myelofibrosis or post essential thrombocythaemia myelofibrosis and who are Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor naïve or have been treated with ruxolitinib.’
The MPN AA is pleased to advise that we provided a submission to government supporting the availability of momelotinib on the PBS. MF patients who have anaemic myelofibrosis now have another much needed treatment option available to them.
A patient information brochure for momelotinib (Omjjara) has been prepared by the sponsor, and is available from the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) website.
It is titled Consumer Medicine Information and is the last link on that page – HERE.
The MPN AA has also provided a link to momelotinib (OMJJARA) patient information on our MPN Treatments pages.
We hope to provide further patient information on that treatment page in the next couple of weeks.
The MPN Alliance Australia works in partnership with the Leukaemia Foundation
