Amgen announced the launch of Kyprolis Central, an online media resource about the impact of living with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Intended to drive awareness of a rare blood cancer that is increasingly becoming more prevalent in the United States (US), Kyprolis Central provides real-life stories from relapsed multiple myeloma patients, as well as educational materials and third party resources.

"In my opinion, one of the most difficult parts of living with multiple myeloma is the uncertainty. Relapse is always in the back of my mind," said Michele A., a relapsed multiple myeloma patient from Ludlow, Mass. "I've found that talking to others helps me cope with this uncertainty, and I hope that sharing my story publicly will generate more awareness and help others navigating relapsed multiple myeloma."

Multiple myeloma is an incurable blood cancer, characterized by a recurring pattern of remission and relapse. It is a disease that, in 2012, accounted for approximately one percent of all cancers globally. In the US, there were more than 95,000 people living with, or in remission from, multiple myeloma in 2013.

Each of the patients featured on Kyprolis Central has been treated with Kyprolis (carfilzomib) following a relapse. Kyprolis is a second-generation proteasome inhibitor indicated in the US in combination with dexamethasone or with lenalidomide plus dexamethasone for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received one to three lines of therapy. Kyprolis is also indicated as a single agent for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received one or more lines of therapy.

Resources available on Kyprolis Central are intended to share the experiences of patients living with relapsed multiple myeloma and educate about this complex disease. With each relapse, disease burden worsens, which can have a great impact on patients. The journey back to remission requires teamwork and patients need to know they are not alone.

Proteasomes play an important role in cell function and growth by breaking down proteins that are damaged or no longer needed. Kyprolis has been shown to block proteasomes, leading to an excessive build-up of proteins within cells. In some cells, Kyprolis can cause cell death, especially in myeloma cells because they are more likely to contain a higher amount of abnormal proteins.

Kyprolis is approved in the US for:  In combination with dexamethasone or with lenalidomide plus dexamethasone for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received one to three lines of therapy; As a single agent for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received one or more lines of therapy.

Kyprolis is also approved in Argentina, Israel, Kuwait, Mexico, Thailand, Colombia, Korea, Canada, Switzerland, Russia, and the European Union. Additional regulatory applications for Kyprolis are underway and have been submitted to health authorities worldwide.