Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation

Non-profit organization focused on multiple myeloma research

The logo of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation

The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating the development of treatments for multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow. Founded in 1998, the MMRF has become a leading force in the field of myeloma research, funding innovative research initiatives and fostering collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and patients.

History

The MMRF was founded by Kathy Giusti and her twin sister, Karen Andrews, after Kathy was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Recognizing the need for a dedicated organization to drive research and development of new treatments, they established the foundation to fill this gap. Since its inception, the MMRF has raised over $500 million to fund research and has played a pivotal role in the approval of new therapies for multiple myeloma.

Mission and Goals

The mission of the MMRF is to relentlessly pursue innovative means that accelerate the development of next-generation treatments to extend the lives of patients and lead to a cure. The foundation aims to:

• Fund groundbreaking research initiatives.
• Foster collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and patients.
• Accelerate the development and approval of new therapies.
• Provide education and resources to patients and their families.

Research Initiatives

The MMRF supports a wide range of research initiatives, including:

• The CoMMpass Study: A longitudinal study that collects genomic and clinical data from multiple myeloma patients to better understand the disease and develop personalized treatment approaches.
• The MMRF Researcher Gateway: A platform that provides researchers with access to data and resources to facilitate collaboration and innovation.
• Clinical Trials: The MMRF funds and supports numerous clinical trials to test new therapies and treatment combinations.

Collaborations

The MMRF collaborates with leading academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and biotechnology firms to accelerate the development of new treatments. These partnerships are crucial in bringing together diverse expertise and resources to tackle the challenges of multiple myeloma.

Patient Support and Education

In addition to funding research, the MMRF provides extensive support and educational resources to patients and their families. This includes:

• Educational Programs: Workshops, webinars, and conferences to educate patients about the latest research and treatment options.
• Patient Navigation Center: A resource to help patients understand their diagnosis and treatment options, and to connect them with clinical trials.

Impact

The MMRF has significantly impacted the field of multiple myeloma research. The foundation has helped bring ten new drugs to market, which have contributed to doubling the life expectancy of many patients. The MMRF's efforts have also advanced the understanding of the genetic basis of multiple myeloma, paving the way for personalized medicine approaches.

Related pages

• Multiple myeloma
• Kathy Giusti
• Cancer research
• Non-profit organization