Dr. Mesa on the Potential Role of Momelotinib for Myelofibrosis-Associated Anemia

Ruben A. Mesa, MD, director of the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses the potential role of momelotinib in alleviating myelofibrosis-associated anemia.

Anemia is a common symptom of myelofibrosis, says Mesa. JAK inhibitors, such as ruxolitinib (Jakafi) and fedratinib (Inrebic), may exacerbate anemia.

Despite this, the JAK inhibitor momelotinib is also an ACVR1 inhibitor, which could play a role in decreasing hepcidin, Mesa explains. Furthermore, hepcidin is thought to contribute to anemia and suppress hematopoiesis when found in an inflammatory environment. By decreasing hepcidin, momelotinib may improve erythropoiesis and anemia.

Notably, in June 2019, the FDA granted a fast track designation to momelotinib for use as a treatment of patients with intermediate- or high-risk myelofibrosis who had previously received a JAK inhibitor