ImetelChat

by Sean Williams, Nov 1, 2016 at 12:23PM

Johnson & Johnson's pipeline is flourishing, and these experimental drugs could play a key role.
Given the importance of its pharmaceutical operations in driving growth, J&J announced its intent last year to file a new drug application for 10 new molecular entities (NMEs) by 2019 that have blockbuster potential (i.e., $1 billion-plus in annual sales).
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Imetelstat (aniticipated filing date: 2018)
J&J's collaboration with Geron (NASDAQ:GERN) could provide another blockbuster drug: imetelstat, a treatment for myelofibrosis and myelodysplastic syndromes. A new drug filing is expected in 2018, with imetelstat potentially hitting pharmacy shelves by 2019.
Scientists Working In Lab With Test Tubes Clipboard Getty

What makes imetelstat so unique is that it's the only myelofibrosis (MF) drug to demonstrate an objective response in clinical studies (albeit early-stage studies). The only FDA-approved MF drug on the market is Incyte's (NASDAQ: INCY) Jakafi. However, Jakafi doesn't effectively slow the progression of MF, which causes bone marrow scarring. It's merely designed to minimize the symptoms of the disease, such as an enlarged spleen and anemia. Imetelstat's ability to generate an immune response against MF is huge, and it's a big reason why J&J dangled a $935 million carrot to secure the licensing right to Geron's lead drug.

Though there are never any guarantees of success when it comes to developing drugs, imetelstat's early-stage success is encouraging.

Source: http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/11/0 ... lockb.aspx

I agree with the points made in this article. Imetelstat is unique and still working in John and other patients from the pilot study with intermediate and high risk MF. Keep in mind John and others have been on Imetelstat for more than 3 years and some almost 4 years. This is unprecedented. John just back from Mayo. Imetelstat still active no negative side effects. One interesting development, his minor liver enzyme increase reversed (liver function never affected). This never happened prior except during the period he stopped taking it when liver enzymes returned to normal. At this point safety concerns on 3 week dosing schedule not an issue.