“Compassion” has become an old-fashioned word.  It seems not too many pharmaceutical companies make any decisions based on it anymore.  Allow me to share with you my recent attempts at getting compassionate use program established at one of our largest pharmaceutical companies.

PCI-32765 (ibrutinib) is one of the new generation of targeted kinase inhibitors that is getting a lot of attention.  ASCO 2012 had three important papers on this drug.  So far, so good!  But please make sure you read the Editorial section as well, where I highlight some adverse effect concerns based on feedback I got from people taking this drug.

This is an important trial – one that we really need to monitor going forward.

Kinase inhibitors such as PCI-32765 are going to play an important role for CLL patients.  How important?  How best to use them? What are realistic adverse effects?  Who is most likely to benefit?  This well designed NIH / NCI clinical trial will help answer these questions – without conflict of interest or good science taking a backseat to commercial hype. We really need this trial.  Merry Christmas to us all! 

PCI-32765 is a very interesting kinase inhibitor drug, similar to CAL-101.  Here is the latest information on this drug presented at ASH2011 (December, 2011) conference.  This and other next generation designer drugs like it may change the whole ballgame for CLL patients living today.

PCI-32765 is a kinase inhibitor, a Bruton kinase inhibitor that is getting a lot of attention as a new  and potentially valuable drug in CLL.  Here is the latest information on how patients are doing in the early stage trials