American Society of Hematology

The Food and Drug Administration approved dalteparin sodium (FRAGMIN, Pfizer, Inc.) to reduce the recurrence of symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) in pediatric patients 1 month of age and older.

The Food and Drug Administration approved venetoclax (VENCLEXTA, AbbVie Inc. and Genentech Inc.) for adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL).

The Food and Drug Administration approved ivosidenib (TIBSOVO, Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc.) for newly-diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a susceptible IDH1 mutation, as detected by an FDA-approved test, in patients who are at least 75 years old or who have comorbidities that preclude the use of intensive induction chemotherapy.

The Food and Drug Administration is alerting health care professionals, oncology clinical investigators and patients about the risks associated with the investigational use of Venclexta (venetoclax) for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma based on data from a clinical trial. Venclexta is not approved for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

ASH continues to increase its efforts to expand and enhance the Society’s reach. NIH funding, efforts to ensure patient access to drugs, and sickle cell disease were top priorities on ASH’s advocacy agenda in 2018.

ASH continues to invest in and explore the important actions needed to make a significant difference in sickle cell disease (SCD) access to care, research, and global issues. Learn about the major advocacy-related initiatives undertaken by ASH in 2018.

In 2018, ASH worked to ensure patient access to care through a number of methods including ensuring drug access, pain management-related issues, and the Affordable Care Act.

In 2018, ASH commented on numerous rules and regulations proposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which impact physician payment. ASH is actively involved in various advisory committees and also continues to engage with lawmakers on Capitol Hill.