THE EUROPEAM MYELOMA PLATFORM APPLAUDS THE EMEA APPROVAL OF REVLIMID AND SUPPORTS EFFORTS TO QUICKLY BRING THE ORAL THERAPY TO PATIENTS ACROSS EUROPE

Brussels, Belgium – (June 20, 2007) – The European Myeloma Platform (EMP)
applauds the EMEA decision to grant marketing authorization for REVLIMID (lenalidomide) for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy. REVLIMID is the first orally administrated drug approved in Europe for multiple myeloma patients in more than 40 years and is helping to shift the treatment paradigm for multiple myeloma patients.

“We are very excited about the EMEA’s decision to approve REVLIMID in Europe,” said Dr. Rolf Pelzing, Vice-Chairperson, EMP, “From personal experience, I can testify to the positive benefits of REVLIMID in treating multiple myeloma. REVLIMID will be an important new option for patients with multiple myeloma across Europe and we will continue to work with local authorities to make sure that those in need have access to this oral therapy as quickly as possible.”

The EMP has participated in several meetings with the EMEA to represent the interests of European myeloma patients and will continue to work with local regulatory agencies to help secure local reimbursement approvals. Additionally, the EMP is working closely with the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) and supporting their efforts to educate and empower myeloma patients across Europe.

Multiple myeloma is a rare form of cancer of plasma cells. It is the second most common cancer of the blood, affecting over 80,000 people in Europe and an estimated 750,000 worldwide at any one time. There is no cure for myeloma, but the duration of survival and the quality of life is improving significantly. Today’s thought leaders believe that new oral cancer therapies may enable healthcare providers with the necessary tools to turn multiple myeloma into a chronically managed disease.

REVLIMID with the steroid dexamethasone is also approved for use in the United States by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for previous treated multiple myeloma patients, as well as patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).

EMP is a European umbrella organization of myeloma patient support groups. In accordance with the spirit of its basic motive, “Patients for Patients,” it is the only pan-European myeloma patient organization that is run by patients and their relatives for other patients.

For more information, contact:
Dr. Rolf Pelzing
+49 2151 305170
rolf.pelzing(at)emp-myeloma.eu

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