As the COVID-19 respiratory virus spreads, please know that the IMF is here for you.
Featured are Dr. Durie’s blogs and FAQs, aimed specifically at multiple myeloma patients, and links to the best sources of COVID-19 news.
On Thursday, December 23, 2021, The FDA authorized two oral antiviral treatments for COVID-19: Molnupiravir and Paxlovid™. Molnupiravir is for adults who are vulnerable to becoming severely ill from COVID-19 and for whom alternative COVID-19 treatment options authorized by the FDA are “not accessible or clinically appropriate,” according to the New York Times. The treatment is expected to be available in a few weeks. The first-of-its-kind treatment, Paxlovid, has been found to be highly protective against severe illness, according to a report in the New York Times, which adds that the treatment for high-risk patients 12 and older could be available within a few days.
On Monday, November 29, 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) called the risks posed by the new omicron variant of the coronavirus, B.1.1.529, “very high,” the New York Times reports. The variant’s number of mutations — including up to 32 variations in the spike protein — means that there could be future surges of Covid-19.
While the variant may be more transmissible than prior versions of the virus, experts say existing vaccines are likely to offer protection from severe illness and death. Researchers await new data to understand more about B.1.1.529.
In the meantime, the CDC has issued a statement on omicron recommending that people follow these prevention strategies:
- Wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high community transmission
- Wash your hands frequently
- Physically distance from others
- Protect yourself from COVID-19 by getting fully vaccinated (everyone 5 years and older)
- Get a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose if you are eligible
Please be safe and well, and please contact the IMF InfoLine with any questions
Read this page for the IMF’s latest recommendations on receiving the COVID-19 vaccine if you have multiple myeloma (MM), smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).
On December 23, 2021, the FDA has authorized the second oral antiviral treatment of COVID-19. Molnupiravir is for adults who are vulnerable to becoming severely ill from COVID and for whom alternative COVID treatment options authorized by the FDA are “not accessible or clinically appropriate,” according to the New York Times. The treatment is expected to be available in a few weeks.
IMF Chairman of the Board Dr. Brian G.M. Durie provides answers to growing concerns from myeloma patients because of the omicron spread. Get firsthand information about the omicron variant and helpful advice on COVID-19 testing, vaccines, boosters, and the like.
published January 13, 2022
While we’ve struggled to get through 2020 and 2021, IMF Chairman of the Board Dr. Brian G.M. Durie advises us to approach 2022 with hope and resilience to move forward. In Dr. Durie’s own wise words: “The healing of the body starts with the healing of the mind. This positive belief will pull you forward to a future with improved health, joy, and accomplishment.”
published January 6, 2022
The FDA authorized the first oral antiviral treatment of COVID-19. The first-of-its-kind treatment, Paxlovid, has been found to be highly protective against severe illness, according to a report in the New York Times, which adds that the treatment, for high-risk patients 12 and older, could be available within a few days.
published December 22, 2021
| The emergence of Omicron underscores the urgency of helping vulnerable and immune-compromised communities around the world. “It is a humanitarian must, as well as an essential step in containing the global pandemic,” says IMF Chairman Dr. Brian G.M. Durie. |
published December 9, 2021
#ASKDRDURIE COVID-19 FAQs
As the COVID-19 respiratory virus spreads across the country and around the world, myeloma patient safety is a paramount concern of patients, families and caregivers.
Watch Dr. Durie's COVID-19 FAQ video series to learn more how COVID-19 has affected the myeloma community.
We wanted to take some time and keep you up to date on the Federal Government’s response regarding COVID-19. We have received a lot of questions from patients and their families about what is included in the government has done to address the virus.
COVID-19 External Resources:
- World Health Organization
- Centers for Disease Control
- FDA Grants Emergency Use Authorization for COVID-19 Drug
- Cancer Emergency Fund
- FDA: A Message to Patients With Cancer and Health Care Providers About COVID-19
- FDA Issues Guidance for Conducting Clinical Trials
- US Government Response
- Global Dashboard of confirmed cases
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Watch Out for Medicare Fraud (Possible COVID-19 scams)
- VA and Coronavirus
- The American Red Cross: Steps to Help Cope with the Evolving Coronavirus Situation
- Considerations of COVID-19–Specific Myeloma Guidelines in New York City
- Multiple Myeloma Medicare Access
- PSA Safe Grocery Shopping in COVID-19 Pandemic
- How I Am Managing My Patients With Myeloma During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- LLS COVID-19 Patient Financial Aid Program - currently closed
- Healthwell Foundation COVID-19 Ancillary Costs Support - currently closed
Pharma Resources:
- Learn how the BMS Foundation is extending additional support "to help eligible unemployed patients in the U.S. who have lost their health insurance due to the COVID-19 pandemic through the first six months of 2021."
- COVID-19 Emergency Food Assistance Program by Team Rubicon and Bristol Myers Squibb
- GSK COVID-19 statement of support Patient Groups
- GSK Compassionate Use (Expanded Access) statement for Patient Groups
- Takeda Oncology Expands Patient Assistance in the U.S. During COVID-19 Crisis
- Takeda Oncology 1 Point portal
- Bristol Myers Squibb COVID-19 patient support
- Global Plasma Leaders Collaborate to Accelerate Development of Potential COVID-19 Hyperimmune Therapy
- Sanofi and GSK to join forces in unprecedented vaccine collaboration to fight COVID-19
- Johnson & Johnson Announces a Lead Vaccine Candidate for COVID-19
The International Myeloma Foundation medical and editorial content team
Comprised of leading medical researchers, hematologist, oncologists, oncology-certified nurses, medical editors, and medical journalists, our team has extensive knowledge of the multiple myeloma treatment and care landscape. Additionally, Dr. Brian G.M. Durie reviews and approves all medical content on this website.
Last Medical Review: January 12, 2021