Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) launched the "Investigating Myeloma" awareness campaign in partnership with actor Mariska Hargitay to highlight multiple myeloma research and unmet patient needs. The campaign focuses on CELMoD research, which stands for cereblon E3 ligase modulation, a scientific approach that engages proteins involved in the disease for breakdown by the cell's protein removal system.

Hargitay's involvement stems from personal experience, as her father Mickey Hargitay died from multiple myeloma 20 years ago. Mickey Hargitay was an actor and champion bodybuilder who was diagnosed with the disease after showing signs of unusual fatigue.

"This campaign is my chance to honor my dad, answer my questions about myeloma, and shine a light on CELMoD research, a remarkable area of scientific inquiry that has emerged since his death," Hargitay stated.

Multiple myeloma affects approximately 36,000 new patients annually in the United States and ranks as the second most common blood cancer. The disease begins in bone marrow plasma cells and remains incurable despite treatment advances, characterized by cycles of relapse and progressively shorter remissions.

Bristol Myers Squibb's CELMoD research represents part of the company's targeted protein degradation platform. The approach aims to modulate cereblon, a protein involved in cellular protein regulation, to selectively engage proteins that control multiple myeloma cell growth and survival.

Dr. Monica Shaw, Senior Vice President of Oncology Commercialization at Bristol Myers Squibb, noted her personal connection to the cause, having lost her father to multiple myeloma. Dr. Neil Bence, Senior Vice President and Head of Protein Homeostasis Thematic Research Center, described CELMoD research as a cornerstone of the company's scientific investigation into myeloma.

The campaign information is available at InvestigatingMyeloma.com, according to the company's press release.