The Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation and Sparkcures Join Forces To Enhance Clinical Trial Navigation for Myelodysplastic Syndromes Patients

Press Release Updated: September 12, 2023

Pittsburgh, PA, September 12, 2023 – The Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation (MDS Foundation), a global non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to supporting patients and healthcare providers in the field of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and related diseases, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with SparkCures, LLC, a patient navigation and technology company. This collaboration aims to revolutionize clinical trial navigation and empower MDS patients and their care partners to explore personalized clinical trial options across the US.

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of blood disorders characterized by abnormal development and function of blood cells in the bone marrow. In MDS, the bone marrow fails to produce enough healthy, mature blood cells, leading to low blood cell counts and a variety of symptoms. MDS typically affects older adults, although it can occur at any age. The exact cause of MDS is often unknown, but certain risk factors, such as exposure to radiation, chemotherapy, certain chemicals, and advanced age, can increase the likelihood of developing the condition.

This partnership brings together technology and patient support for the MDS community. SparkCures, with its extensive experience in patient support and technology, has been selected by the MDS Foundation to develop a custom platform specifically designed for MDS patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers. This platform will offer fast and personalized clinical trial screening and matching services, simplifying the complex landscape of clinical trial options for MDS patients.

“We are thrilled to partner with SparkCures to offer enhanced clinical trial navigation for MDS patients,” said Tracey Iraca, Executive Director of the MDS Foundation. “Our goal is to empower patients and their care partners by ensuring they have access to accurate and comprehensive information about clinical trials. With SparkCures’ expertise and innovative technology, we believe we can make a significant impact in facilitating connections between patients and suitable clinical trials.”

“We are honored to collaborate with the MDS Foundation and contribute our technology and patient support resources to the MDS community,” stated Brian McMahon, Founder & CEO of SparkCures. “Through this partnership, we aim to alleviate the emotional burden experienced by patients and their care partners by simplifying the search process and increasing awareness of clinical trials. By providing personalized and accessible clinical trial navigation, we hope to help MDS patients find the right care and improve their overall treatment outcomes.”

The platform will provide pathways for both patients and healthcare professionals for all Myelodysplastic Syndromes clinical trials in the USA with plans to expand to international trials in 2024.

View the MDS Clinical Trial Matching Platform

MDS Clinical Trials

About the MDS Foundation, Inc.

The MDS Foundation has been at the forefront of providing comprehensive support and education for the MDS community for nearly 30 years. With a vision to ensure that every MDS patient benefits from early initiatives and research, the foundation focuses on better diagnosis, control, and ultimately, the cure of MDS and its related diseases. As part of their ongoing commitment to the MDS patient population, the foundation has initiated a project to raise awareness about clinical trials, streamline the search process, and facilitate patient-care team interactions. For more information and to access the new portal, visit www.mds-foundation.org.

About SparkCures, LLC

SparkCures, LLC is a patient navigation and technology company focused on simplifying the process of exploring clinical trial options. Through innovative technology and personalized support, SparkCures empowers patients and their care partners to find, understand, and connect with eligible clinical trials across the US and worldwide. For more information, visit www.SparkCures.com.

Contact: Tracey Iraca
Title: Executive Director

Email: tiraca@mds-foundation.org
Direct: 609-298-1600 x211
Website: www.mds-foundation.org