Second Grant

Among hematologic malignancies, while diseases like leukemia and lymphoma have become treatable with drug therapy, multiple myeloma (MM) remains a refractory disease that is difficult to cure. In recent years, the prognosis for MM has significantly improved with the advent of new therapeutic agents such as Lenalidomide (Len). However, with the expanded use of Len, the number of Len-resistant patients has increased, becoming a barrier to treatment. To address this issue, I have been conducting research on elucidating the mechanism of Len resistance and developing drugs to overcome it, which led to this presentation.

First, we established three types of Len-resistant MM cells and found that the mechanism of Len resistance differs for each cell line. Specifically, we discovered that decreased expression of CRBN and increased expression of IKZF1 are causes of the resistance. Additionally, since the novel compound TC11 induced cell death even in these Len-resistant strains, it is a promising candidate compound for overcoming Len resistance.

I received many questions and comments from researchers in response to my presentation. For example, there were unexpected questions such as, "Why do the resistance mechanisms differ between resistant strains?" and comments with clinical trials in mind, such as, "Attention should be paid to pharmacokinetics during clinical trials of TC11." I believe that participating in a large international conference like ASH was an extremely valuable experience for my future career in a clinical development position at a company.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Sato Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. for providing me with this valuable opportunity.

(Ryo Uozaki / 2nd year, Master's Program, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences)