Incyte Supports the Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Community in Honor of Rare Disease Day 2018

(Photo: Business Wire)

“Today we join hands with patients, physicians, caregivers and advocates to honor those with rare diseases across the globe, including the 200,000 individuals in the U.S. living with a group of rare blood cancers known as myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs),” said Hervé Hoppenot, Chief Executive Officer, Incyte.

Incyte supports efforts to raise awareness and improve diagnosis and treatment for those affected by MPNs, a group of rare chronic, progressive blood cancers, which include myelofibrosis (MF), polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET). They are the result of the abnormal development and functioning of bone marrow cells that produce the body’s blood cells. Although these progressive cancers can strike at any age, they are more commonly diagnosed in adults over the age of 60. ⁱ

This year, as part of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness of MPNs, Incyte is partnering with Cynthia Wade, Academy Award® winning filmmaker in the Documentary Short Subject category, to develop a series of short documentary films. The film series is intended to highlight some of the challenges people face living with MPNs and the dramatic impact these blood cancers can have on patients’ lives, families, friends and caregivers.

“Beyond Blue,” the first short film released in the series, tells the story of Barbara, a woman who was diagnosed with an MPN over twenty years ago. Barbara’s experience shines a light on how people living with a rare disease may experience unseen symptoms, or, as Barbara puts it, “the 80-pound invisible blanket” that she carries. To watch “Beyond Blue” visit www.VoicesOfMPN.com/documentaries.

“I’m hoping this film will help others understand the many different aspects of living with a rare disease, tell them about what might be invisible to the eye and to empower patients to have better conversations with their doctors and their loved ones in an effort to live their best life and live out their own stories,” said Barbara.

Rare Disease Day also marks the opening of nominations for the 2018 MPN Heroes® Recognition Program, which honors the individuals and organizations that contribute to bringing understanding and strength to those living with MPNs. Now in its sixth year, the MPN Heroes Recognition Program is sponsored by Incyte and CURE Media Group, publishers of CURE® magazine. Incyte partners with CURE Media Group to support the program, with CURE hosting the annual MPN Heroes Celebration Event recognizing heroes of the MPN community. Nominations for the 2018 MPN Heroes program are now being accepted online, by mail, or by phone beginning on Rare Disease Day through September 13, 2018. To learn more about the program or to submit a nomination, visit www.MPNHeroes.com.

MPN patients can stay connected and informed about MPN awareness activities on Rare Disease Day by “Liking” the “Voices of MPN” Facebook page, following “Voices of MPN” on Pinterest, following “Voices of MPN” on Twitter or using the hashtag #Connect4MPNs. Visit www.VoicesOfMPN.com to access helpful resources about living with MPNs, including an infographic that discusses how tracking an MPN could result in better conversations with a Healthcare Professional.

About Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are a closely related group of blood cancers in which the bone marrow functions abnormally.ⁱ The bone marrow is where the body’s blood cells are made. There are several types of MPNs, which include MF, PV and ET.ⁱ 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.ⁱ

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.

MPN Heroes and Voices of MPN are registered trademarks of Incyte Corporation.

References

ⁱ MPN Research Foundation. “MPN Landmark Survey.” Available at: https://www.mpnlandmarksurvey.com/pdf/mpn-landmark-survey-summary.pdf. Accessed February 2018.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180228005406/en/