Blood Disease Breakthrough

February 24, 2011

A new discovery may offer hope for people who suffer from a disorder that can lead to a stroke or cancer. University of Florida researchers have discovered a drug that regulates blood cell growth in people whose bone marrow is producing cells uncontrollably. UF researchers say the drug called G-6 targets a mutation that causes blood producing cells to go haywire thanks to a mutation in a gene called JAK-2. When too many blood cells are produced due to the mutation, arteries can clog and become sticky, leading to a stroke or eventually bone marrow cancer. Experts say the new drug specifically targets these mutated cells in the bone marrow.

Dr. Peter Sayeski/UF researcher: “It was pretty startling to see what G-6 could do when putting it on these cells and pretty much seeing how it can eliminate all this JAK-2 driving growth that is occurring.”

Experts say current drugs on the market only treat the symptoms, not the underlying genetic problem. UF researchers hope to start clinical trials in about a year.

Dr. Peter Sayeski/UF researcher: “So people who have this mutation, potentially there might be some drug coming down the road which will not just make them feel better and alleviate symptomologies, but actually cure them of their disease and rid them of these bad cells that have now formed in their bone marrow.”

A simple blood test can determine if you suffer from the disease.