Incyte to sponsor study of rare cancer

Incyte Corp., is sponsoring an observational study of patients living with a rare progressive blood cancer known as polycythemia vera.

The Wilmington biopharmaceutical company will partner with roughly 200 community and academic medical centers to observe more than 2,000 polycythemia vera patients who have been under a physician's care for at least three years. Incyte will study the real-world clinical burden of polycythemia vera and how healthcare services are utilized to manage the disease.

Polycythemia vera is form of blood caner leading to the overproduction of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Patients with the disease often suffer from an enlarged spleen and lack of oxygen to parts of the body. Symptoms include fatigue, itching, night sweats, bone pain, fever and weight loss.

"Insights gathered from [the study] may help us understand polycythemia vera and lead to better ways to treat and manage the disease in the future," said Incyte's Vice President of Medical Affairs Nichols Sarlis. "We encourage patients and physicians to consider participating in this study."

The study will operate under the acronym REVAL. Medical professionals will also examine patient's age, medical history and therapeutic regimens.

Contact Jeff Mordock at (302) 324-2786 or jmordock@delawareonline.com.