Dr. Verstovsek on the Future of ALK2 Inhibitors in Myelofibrosis

Srdan Verstovsek, MD, PhD, professor, director, Hanns A. Pielenz Clinical Research Center for Myeloproliferative Neoplasms, chief, Section for Myeloproliferative Neoplasms, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses the future of ALK2 inhibitors in myelofibrosis.

Along with treating symptoms and reducing spleen size, momelotinib demonstrated the ability to address anemia in patients with myelofibrosis. This agent improves anemia through the inhibition of ALK2, affecting the hepcidin levels and resolving functional iron deficiency, Verstovsek says. These findings have led investigators to hypothesize that further development of ALK2 inhibitors could further improve anemia in this patient population, Verstovsek explains.

If ALK2 inhibitors more potent than momelotinib can be developed, they could elicit similar or better results in patients with anemia, Verstovsek continues. Current research is being conducted to find agents that could resolve the anemia to a greater extent for patients with myelofibrosis, Verstovsek concludes.