Infinity Announces Launch Of Disease Awareness Campaign For Hematologic Malignancies

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Infinity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. INFI today announced the launch of a mechanism of disease (MOD) awareness initiative designed to educate community and academic hematologists/oncologists about the role of the tumor microenvironment in patients with certain hematologic malignancies, or blood cancers. With more research emerging about the role of the tumor microenvironment in hematologic malignancies, Infinity developed this campaign to contribute to the emerging knowledge of this scientific concept and its clinical relevance. The initiative will be showcased in the Infinity booth (#22415) at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting taking place in Chicago from June 3 – June 7, 2016. Additional information and resources on the tumor microenvironment are available on a newly launched website: www.manipulatedTME.com.

In B-cell malignancies, the tumor microenvironment is made up of healthy, non-cancerous cells that are recruited by malignant (cancerous) B-cells to promote tumor survival.[1] The tumor microenvironment is thought to support key characteristics of cancer, including disease progression, resistance to cell death and sustained proliferation.[2] 

"Research suggests that the tumor microenvironment may provide protection and support for malignant B-cells that hinder treatment effectiveness, resulting in poor responses to treatment," said Nathan Fowler, M.D., Associate Professor, Department of Lymphoma/Myeloma at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. "As hematologists and oncologists continue to conduct research and develop treatment plans for patients living with incurable B-cell malignancies, this online resource may provide insights as to why patients continue to relapse."

The campaign artwork is centered around a sinister character, representing a malignant B-cell, who is supported by cells in the tumor microenvironment, such as macrophages, endothelial cells, and immune cells. The B-cell character is shown to have manipulated these healthy cells to form the tumor microenvironment, a network of support and protection for malignant B-cells that may enable tumor growth and proliferation.

Learn more about the MOD campaign at www.manipulatedTME.com.

About Infinity Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Infinity is an innovative biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing and delivering best-in-class medicines to people with difficult-to-treat diseases. Infinity combines proven scientific expertise with a passion for developing novel small molecule drugs that target emerging disease pathways. For more information on Infinity, please refer to the company's website at www.infi.com.

[1] Quiroga M. et al. B-cell antigen receptor signaling enhances chronic lymphocytic leukemia cell migration and survival: specific targeting with a novel spleen tyrosine kinase inhibitor, R406. Blood 2009; Volume 114:1029-1038.

[2] Herishanu Y. et al. The lymph node microenvironment promotes B-cell receptor signaling, NF-KB activation, and tumor proliferation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Blood 2011; Volume 117:563-574.

Contacts:
Jaren Irene Madden
Senior Director, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
617-453-1336
Jaren.Madden@infi.com

Jessi Colund
Feinstein Kean Healthcare
952-649-8600
Jessi.Colund@fkhealth.com

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SOURCE Infinity Pharmaceuticals, Inc.