Conference Reports
50th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hemotology
San Francisco, CA, the US, December 6-9 2008
The city of San Francisco was the location of choice for the American Society of Hematology's Annual Meeting and Exposition. Under the auspicious gaze of the Golden Gate Bridge, nearly 24,000 attendees gathered to share revolutionary research findings, discuss clinical guidelines and provide updates on the progress of drug development. The five days boasted a packed programme of symposia, poster presentations, training sessions and exhibits to inform and ignite discussion about blood, the substance key to life.
The conference kicked off with an array of satellite symposia, offsetting recent clinical advances with current obstacles limiting effective patient care. The poster sessions followed and proved immensely popular, with hundreds of delegates scanning the assortment of visually striking displays. Of note was the poster presentation by Isis Pharmaceuticals, outlining the discovery of ISIS-404071, a novel antisense therapeutic targeting factor VI. Preclinical research showed that, in vitro and vivo, ISIS-404071 was able to dose-dependently inhibit factor VI mRNA and limit thrombus formation, without inducing bleeding. Another poster presented by Isis Pharmaceuticals outlined a possible safety catch for ISIS-404071, since its effects could be reversed with the application of a human factor VI protein concentrate or a novel sense factor VI oligonucleotide developed by the company.
Oral sessions began on Sunday, and included a presentation by HemaQuest Pharmaceuticals outlining the latest research on HGK-1001, a novel short-chain fatty acid derivative. In preclinical trials it was shown to induce foetal globin gene expression and in two Phase I trials in healthy volunteers, it was well tolerated, with no significant adverse events. It had a pharmacokinetic profile suitable for once-daily dosing and preliminary efficacy was promising, as evidenced by a significant increase in reticulocyte count above the baseline. Phase I trials in anaemic patients with beta-globin gene disorders are planned.
The ASH daily news digest kept delegates appraised of the latest events and presentations, of which there were plenty to hold the interest of such a varied array of specialists. But, for those wanting a bit of light relief, the exhibition hall provided a great location to pick up some freebies and have a go at the various activities on offer, including miniature golf. It was also a great location to discuss recent therapeutic advances with the various company delegates and find out more information about specific products.
Monday heralded the last of the poster sessions, with yet another packed hall of posters covering a plethora of topics from Disorders of Coagulation of Fibrinolysis to Tumour Immunotherapy. However, the oral sessions continued until Tuesday afternoon, with several illuminating presentations on disease mechanisms and treatment options. Boehringer Ingelheimn discussed the results of a Phase I trial of BI-2536 in relapsed and refractory non-Hodgkin's leukaemia and also presented a poster outlining the results of a Phase I/II trial in acute myeloid. Both presentations served to highlight the great potential of BI-2536 for the treatment of various cancers.
This year, the American Society of Hematology wanted to celebrate 50 years of academic and industrial innovation, and it did so in style. With more attendees and abstract submissions than ever before, the Annual Meeting was buzzing with discussion and innovation. Attendees could not fail to have been inspired by the passion and knowledge imparted by the presenters and exhibitors, and can only look forward to next year.
Clare Gibbard
Pharmaprojects Analyst
