Incyte Supports Those Affected By Rare Blood Cancers On MPN Awareness Day And Throughout Blood Cancer Awareness Month

MPN Landmark Survey Underscores Burden of Disease in MPN Patients and the Importance of Raising Awareness Today and Throughout the Month of September

WILMINGTON, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Incyte Corporation calls for increased awareness and support for those living with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) today, MPN Awareness Day, and throughout September, Blood Cancer Awareness Month. MPNs are a closely related group of rare, progressive blood cancers, and occur when the bone marrow cells that produce the body’s blood cells develop and function abnormally. The three main MPNs, myelofibrosis (MF), polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET), are estimated to affect 200,000 individuals in the U.S. Of these, PV is the most prevalent.

“The MPN Landmark Survey results highlight the significant challenges patients with MPNs face on a daily basis and strongly reinforce the need for increased awareness and understanding of MPNs”

Findings from the Incyte funded MPN Landmark Survey, a large-scale, extensive analysis of over 800 MPN patients published in BMC Cancer, underscore the burden of disease among MPN patients and the need for continued awareness. Patients who participated in the survey reported that MPN-related symptoms reduced their quality of life (MF, 81%; PV, 66%; ET, 57%). Additionally, the MPN Landmark Survey revealed the following:

  • MPN patients surveyed reported that their disease had affected their family or social life
    (MF, 79%; PV, 63%; ET, 55%)
  • MPN patients surveyed reported that they have had to cancel planned activities because of their disease (MF, 41%; PV, 30%; ET, 27%)
  • MPN patients surveyed reported having to call in sick to work at least once in the preceding 30 days (MF, 29%; PV, 19%; ET, 22%)

The MPN Landmark Survey also found that patients ultimately diagnosed with MPNs faced a long road to diagnosis, with many respondents reporting that they experienced at least one MPN-related symptom for one year or more before diagnosis (MF, 49%; PV, 61%; ET, 58%). To read the published MPN Landmark Survey findings, click here; additional MPN Landmark Survey findings are expected to be published later this year.

“The MPN Landmark Survey results highlight the significant challenges patients with MPNs face on a daily basis and strongly reinforce the need for increased awareness and understanding of MPNs,” said Hervé Hoppenot, Incyte’s Chief Executive Officer. “On this fourth annual MPN Awareness Day, and every day, we remain committed to supporting the MPN community by helping to raise awareness of MPNs and improving care for patients suffering from these rare and debilitating blood cancers.”

To support people impacted by MPNs, Incyte will be hosting an “Ask an MPN Expert” Facebook Live Chat today at 6 PM Eastern where an MPN expert will be on hand to answer questions in real time from patients and caregivers about MPNs and the MPN Landmark Survey. To participate in the live chat, visit the “Voices of MPN” Facebook page.

Additionally, on MPN Awareness Day and throughout the month of September, MPN patients, physicians and caregivers are encouraged to share their stories, show their support and help raise awareness of these rare disorders through a variety of activities, including:

  • MPN Awareness Social Media Photo Filter: Show your support and raise awareness of MPNs by visiting http://mpnawareness.twibbon.com/ and adding an MPN Awareness photo filter to your Facebook or Twitter profile picture.
  • #Connect4MPNs: Use this hashtag on social media today and throughout the month of September to share your personal experiences and raise awareness for MPNs.
  • Voices of MPN: Visit www.voicesofmpn.com to access helpful resources about living with MPNs, including the “Raise Your Voice” toolkit, which features tips on how to get involved and spread awareness of MPNs.

“MPN Awareness Day is an important time for the community to unite and inspire change by bringing to the forefront MPNs and the challenges patients and their loved ones face on a daily basis,” said Susan Melvin Hill, 2015 MPN Hero Award Recipient. “I am motivated by the members of the MPN community who have the strength to share their stories and educate the broader population about the needs of MPN patients across the U.S.”

Stay connected and informed about all of the MPN awareness activities happening throughout September by “Liking” the “Voices of MPN” Facebook page, following “Voices of MPN” on Pinterest or using the hashtag #Connect4MPNs.

About Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs)

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are a closely related group of blood cancers in which the bone marrow cells that produce the body’s blood cells develop and function abnormally.1 The three main myeloproliferative neoplasms are myelofibrosis (MF), polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET).1 MPNs are progressive blood cancers that can strike anyone at any age, but they are more common in older adults. Estimates of the prevalence of MPNs vary, but analysis of claims data suggests there may be as many as 200,000 people in the U.S. living with MF, PV or ET.2

About Incyte

Incyte Corporation is a Wilmington, Delaware-based biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of proprietary therapeutics. For additional information on Incyte, please visit the Company’s website at www.incyte.com.

Follow @Incyte on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Incyte.

© 2016, Incyte Corporation. All rights reserved. INC-1180 09/16

References

1 Understanding MPNs. MPN Research Foundation. http://www.mpnresearchfoundation.org/overview-page
2 Data on File.

Contacts

Incyte Corporation
Media
Catalina Loveman, 302-498-6171
cloveman@incyte.com
or
Elliot Fox, 212-257-6724
efox@w2ogroup.com

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