18.02.2009 – 14:40

The Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation

Video: The MDS Foundation Says Published Data Confirms VIDAZA(R) Significantly Extends Survival in Patients with the Malignant Condition MDS

Crosswicks, New Jersey (ots/PRNewswire)

- VIDAZA Restores Gene Function to Double Survival and Increase
Transfusion Independence

The Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) Foundation says data
published in the peer reviewed medical journal The Lancet Oncology
confirms VIDAZA extends survival for patients with higher-risk MDS.
Myelodysplastic syndromes are a group of blood-related malignancies
that are difficult to treat and in higher-risk patients have a median
survival rate of less than one year. Symptoms include anemia and
fatigue, and often patients must rely on blood transfusions to manage
the symptoms. VIDAZA, also known by its chemical name, azacitidine,
represents a new approach to treatment with important benefits for
patients with MDS, and a related condition called acute myeloid
leukemia (AML).

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to:
http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/mds-foundation/37124/

"The data from this large international study of VIDAZA is
important news for the patients we represent, validating a new
treatment option and offering tangible results for this
difficult-to-treat disease," said Kathy Heptinstall, Operating
Director of the Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation.

"VIDAZA was able to essentially double survival at two years
compared to conventional care," says Lewis Silverman, M.D., of Mount
Sinai Medical Center in New York and senior study author. "VIDAZA is
the first and only drug that we know extends survival."

In MDS, genes responsible for orderly growth and development of
cells in the bone marrow are turned off or silenced, allowing the
cells to become malignant. VIDAZA turns these genes back on through a
system of actions called epigenetics, a new approach to cancer
treatment. It is also the first drug to achieve transfusion
independence in more than 40% of patients. Transfusions can be time
consuming, debilitating and run the risk of iron overload that can be
fatal.

MDS patient Bob Urbanski notes, "I needed blood transfusions as
often as twice a month, but with VIDAZA I haven't needed a
transfusion for at least 14 weeks."

The published data refer specifically to categories of MDS known
as intermediate-2 or high-risk MDS, as well as AML with 20 to 30
percent bone marrow blasts. VIDAZA has been available in the United
States for four years and it was recently approved in Europe.

About MDS

MDS is a primary neoplasm of the bone marrow that is more
prevalent than any of the leukemias. MDS affects the function of
blood cells; red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets. It is
not known exactly how many people have MDS, however, according to
current estimates, there are between 15,000 and 20,000 people
diagnosed each year in Europe.

About the MDS Foundation

The Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation, Inc. is a
multi-disciplinary, international organization devoted to the
prevention, treatment, and study of the myelodysplastic syndromes.
The organization is based upon the premise that international
cooperation will accelerate the process leading to the control and
cure of these diseases. For further information, please visit
http://www.mds-foundation.org.

Press Contact:
    Kathy Heptinstall
    Operating Director
    The MDS Foundation, Inc.
    +1-800-MDS-0839

Contact:

Kathy Heptinstall, Operating Director of The MDS Foundation, Inc.,
+1-800-MDS-0839 / VIDEO:
http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/mds-foundation/37124/