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Real-World Findings Confirm Clinical Data on Momelotinib in MF With Anemia

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May 1, 2025

Author(s): AJMC Contributor

Real-world insights on momelotinib (Ojjaara; GlaxoSmithKline) in patients with myelofibrosis (MF) and anemia have been published, showing consistent and, in some cases, better results than those shown previously in clinical studies of the drug.1

The results offer some of the first glimpses into real-world findings of the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, which received approval toward the end of 2023, becoming the first and only treatment indicated for patients with MF and anemia.2

“This study presents the largest real-world cohort of MF patients treated with momelotinib and is the first to apply the recently proposed 2024 criteria for anemia response,” wrote the researchers, publishing the insights in Blood Cancer Journal.1

The retrospective study included 122 patients with MF and anemia across multiple treatment centers. Patients had disease-related symptoms or symptomatic splenomegaly and could be JAK-naive (23.4%) or previously received treatment with a JAK inhibitor (76.6%).

At treatment initiation, 73.8% of patients were dependent on transfusions. Among these patients, the median Hb level increased from 7.7 g/dL (range, 4.7-9.8) at treatment initiation to 8.7 g/dL at 3 months of follow-up. By 6 months, 30.6% of patients had major responses and 36.1% had minor responses. At the time follow-up point, median red blood cell transfusion frequency had dropped from 4 units per month to 1 unit per month.

The results offer some of the first glimpses into real-world findings of the JAK inhibitor momelotinib, which was approved in 2023.

Among the remaining patients who were not dependent on transfusions at treatment initiation, the median Hb level increased from 8.9 g/dL (range, 7.2-10.8) to 10.2 g/dL. At 6 months of follow-up, 36.4% of patients demonstrated a major response, and 27.3% demonstrated a minor response.

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Ojjaara (momelotinib) approved in Canada for the treatment of myelofibrosis in adults who have moderate to severe anemia

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  • Ojjaara (momelotinib) is the only approved treatment for newly diagnosed and previously treated myelofibrosis patientsi who have moderate to severe anemia and other key manifestations associated with the disease.ii
  • This approval underscores GSK’s commitment to help drive progress for people living with complex blood cancers.

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 12, 2024 /CNW/ – GSK announced today that Health Canada has approved Ojjaara (momelotinib) for the treatment of splenomegaly and/or disease-related symptoms, in adult patients with intermediate or high-risk primary myelofibrosis (MF), post polycythemia vera MF or post essential thrombocythemia MF who have moderate to severe anemia.iii Ojjaara is the first and only approved medication globally, and now in Canada, that treats both the anemia and other key manifestations of myelofibrosis (newly diagnosed and previously treated).iv

“Treatment options for myelofibrosis-related anemia have been limited. We are proud to offer this treatment alternative for Canadian patients to address this critical unmet need and other myelofibrosis symptoms. With most myelofibrosis patients becoming anemic over time, Ojjaara’s approval represents a significant milestone to improve the outcomes of these patients while also highlighting GSK’s commitment to making an impact in Canada’s hematology oncology space through innovative new treatments,” said Michelle Horn, Interim Country Medical Director, GSK Canada.

Myelofibrosis is a rare blood cancer part of the broader myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) diseases. MPNs have an incidence rate of 2.05 new cases per 100,000 Canadians.v Currently there are between 1,400-2,177 estimated people living with this type of disease in Canada.vi Anemia is a common symptom of myelofibrosis and a major unmet needvii, but awareness among Canadians is low. A 2024 survey shows that 90% of Canadians have heard of anemia but almost 50 per cent do not know about blood cancer related anemia.viii Canadians also have low knowledge of anemia with over 40 per cent of the same respondents saying they know little to nothing about this condition.ix

“Anemia and related transfusions significantly affect the quality of life, prognosis and survival for anemic myelofibrosis patients,” said Cheryl Petruk, CEO of HEAL Canada. “We are excited to witness progress in this rare disease space and to see Ojjaara approved in Canada. This new treatment has the potential to help improve the lives of patients while addressing the disease’s main challenges, namely anemia and other major symptoms.”

Ojjaara is the only once-a-day, oral JAK1/JAK2 and activin A receptor type 1 (ACVR1) inhibitor.x The approval of Ojjaara by Health Canada is supported by data from the pivotal MOMENTUM Phase III trial, which demonstrated significant improvements in Total Symptom Score (TSS), Transfusion Independence, and Splenic Response Rate.xi Additional support came from a subset of patients in the SIMPLIFY-1 Phase III trial, reinforcing Ojjaara’s efficacy in treating moderate to severe anemia and related symptoms in myelofibrosis patients.xii

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