Imetelstat at ASH2016

[Fishermangents]

Currently there are 7 abstracs mentioning imetelstat:
https://ash.confex.com/ash/2016/webprog ... iumany|any

In my view the most important are:

ET:
Dynamics of Telomere Length Reflect the Clonal Suppression Seen with the Telomerase Inhibitor Imetelstat in Patients with Essential Thrombocythemia
Paper: 91467
link: https://ash.confex.com/ash/2016/webprog ... 91467.html

AML:
The Preclinical Efficacy of a Novel Telomerase Inhibitor, Imetelstat, in AML - a Randomized Trial in Patient-Derived Xenografts
Paper: 96048
Link: https://ash.confex.com/ash/2016/webprog ... 96048.html

CML:
Telomerase Inhibition with Imetelstat Eradicates β-Catenin Activated Blast Crisis Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Stem Cells
Paper: 93873
Link: https://ash.confex.com/ash/2016/webprog ... 93873.html

My take on these abstracts:
- ET: imetelstat has the potential of 'curing' ET ('recovery of normal hematopoiesis')
- AML: imetelstat demonstrates efficacy in a significant proportion (60%) of AML PDX
- CML: strong rationale for LSC eradication trials involving imetelstat

[biopearl]

I am pleased with the preclinical progress reflected in these abstracts. I think the stage is set for a new clinical trial in AML and maybe something in CML. The case for unmet medical needs in MF continues to be made. A late breaker with the MDS data would be nice. As for the MF Janssen study we just have to wait for the 24 week evaluation, maybe Scarlett will drop some hints. I am perplexed as to the absence of Dr. T in any of this. ANY! What about an update on the pilot study patients? There must be some strategy I am missing. bp