Hematology Today—April 27, 2026

This week’s Hematology update highlights regulatory approvals, extended review timelines, promising clinical data, emerging modalities, and evolving access and public health trends.

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💊 GSK, Blenrep approved in China for 2L+ multiple myeloma [1] [China • 20 Apr 2026]

https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/press-releases/blenrep-belantamab-mafodotin-approved-in-china-for-treatment-of-2lplus-relapsedrefractory-multiple-myeloma/
Context: Blenrep (belantamab mafodotin, GSK; anti-BCMA ADC) was reviewed for adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma after at least one prior line.
Key point: China’s NMPA approved Blenrep plus bortezomib and dexamethasone, supported by Phase 3 DREAMM-7.
Implication: May influence prescriber choice and payer reviews pending full data.

💉 Sanofi, FDA extends Sarclisa subcutaneous review timeline [2] [US • 22 Apr 2026]

https://www.sanofi.com/en/media-room/press-releases/2026/2026-04-22-05-00-00-3278646
Context: Sarclisa (isatuximab-irfc, Sanofi) SC is under FDA review across currently approved US indications of Sarclisa IV in multiple myeloma.
Key point: FDA extended the target action date by up to three months, with a revised decision date of 23 Jul 2026.
Implication: May affect launch timing and provider planning pending FDA action.

🧬 Dana-Farber, CAR-PRISM reports deep MRD responses in high-risk smoldering myeloma [3] [US • 20 Apr 2026]

https://www.dana-farber.org/newsroom/news-releases/2026/dana-farber-phase-2-trial-shows-deep-and-lasting-responses-to-car-t-cell-therapy-for-high-risk-smoldering-multiple-myeloma
Context: CAR-PRISM is a single-center Phase 2 trial of cilta-cel in 20 patients with high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma.
Key point: Dana-Farber said all patients were MRD-negative within two months and remained MRD-negative after median 15.3 months of follow-up.
Implication: May influence prescriber choice and payer reviews pending full data.

🩸 Specialised Therapeutics, Minjuvi approved in Australia for R/R follicular lymphoma [4] [Australia • 23 Apr 2026]

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/minjuvi-tafasitamab-for-relapsed-or-refractory-follicular-lymphoma-approved-in-australia-302751394.html
Context: Minjuvi (tafasitamab, Specialised Therapeutics/Incyte) was reviewed with rituximab and lenalidomide in adults with R/R FL Grade 1–3a.
Key point: Australia’s TGA registered the chemotherapy-free CD19 and CD20 dual-targeted regimen, based on Phase 3 inMIND.
Implication: May influence prescriber choice and payer reviews pending full data.

🧪 Abogen, ABO2203 shows early first-in-human signal in R/R B-NHL [5] [US • 20 Apr 2026]

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aacr-2026-oral-presentation-abogen-presents-preliminary-results-of-abo2203-mrna-encoded-cd3Ocd19-tce-from-first-in-human-clinical-study-in-rr-b-nhl-302745774.html
Context: ABO2203 (Abogen; LNP-formulated mRNA-encoded CD3×CD19 TCE) was tested in nine dose-escalation patients with R/R B-NHL.
Key point: Abogen reported no DLTs, CRS, or ICANS, with dose-dependent response signals and MTD not reached.
Implication: Signals pipeline investment and modality expansion.

💼 BMS and Pfizer, Eliquis added to Cost Plus Drugs platform [6] [US • 24 Apr 2026]

https://news.bms.com/news/corporate-financial/2026/Bristol-Myers-Squibb-and-Pfizer-to-Make-Eliquis-apixaban-Available-via-Mark-Cuban-Cost-Plus-Drug-Company/default.aspx
Context: Eliquis (apixaban, BMS–Pfizer Alliance) is an oral anticoagulant used for AFib stroke-risk reduction and venous thromboembolism indications.
Key point: The companies said Eliquis will be available through Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company from 27 Apr 2026 for cash-paying patients.
Implication: Could streamline access via direct purchasing and transparent cash pricing.

🧬 Novo Nordisk, etavopivat hits Phase 3 endpoints in sickle cell disease [7] [Denmark • 20 Apr 2026]

https://www.novonordisk.com/content/nncorp/global/en/news-and-media/news-and-ir-materials/news-details.html?id=916533
Context: HIBISCUS evaluated once-daily oral etavopivat (Novo Nordisk; PKR activator) versus placebo in 385 people aged 12 years or older with SCD.
Key point: Etavopivat met both co-primary endpoints, reducing VOC events and improving haemoglobin response versus placebo.
Implication: May influence prescriber choice and payer reviews pending full data.

🌍 Nigeria, study flags world’s highest childhood sickle cell disease burden [8] [Nigeria • 24 Apr 2026]

https://independent.ng/nigeria-accounts-for-over-1-5-million-children-with-sickle-cell-disease-highest-in-the-world-study/
Context: The article cites a Lancet Child & Adolescent Health study estimating childhood SCD burden across sub-Saharan Africa.
Key point: Nigeria was reported to have more than 1.5 million children under 15 living with sickle cell disease, the highest burden globally.
Implication: May expand screening, initiation, and follow-up at scale.

🩺 CSL Korea, hemophilia campaign spotlights early diagnosis [9] [South Korea • 27 Apr 2026]

https://www.medipana.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=410407
Context: CSL Korea launched a World Hemophilia Day-linked campaign focused on diagnosis and the patient journey in bleeding disorders.
Key point: The campaign highlights that many hemophilia patients remain undiagnosed and urges specialist consultation when symptoms or family history are present.
Implication: May expand screening, initiation, and follow-up at scale.

Why it matters

Hematology news flow this week spans regulatory approvals, FDA review timing, first-in-human modalities, access channels, and public health burden.
Multiple myeloma remains active across BCMA ADCs, CD38 antibodies, and CAR-T use in earlier disease settings.
Cell and T-cell engager platforms continue moving earlier and broader, including high-risk smoldering myeloma and R/R B-cell NHL.
Sickle cell disease updates show both therapeutic progress and major implementation gaps in high-burden regions.
Several updates are company-reported or preliminary, so peer-reviewed detail, durability, safety follow-up, and access decisions remain important next steps.

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FAQ

What changed for GSK’s Blenrep in China?

China’s NMPA approved Blenrep plus bortezomib and dexamethasone for adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma after at least one prior line. The approval was supported by DREAMM-7. [1]

What is the new FDA timeline for Sanofi’s Sarclisa SC?

FDA extended the target action date for Sarclisa subcutaneous by up to three months. The revised US decision date is 23 Jul 2026. [2]

What did Dana-Farber report from CAR-PRISM?

Dana-Farber said all 20 high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma patients treated with cilta-cel became MRD-negative within two months. All remained MRD-negative at median 15.3 months of follow-up. [3]

What is Minjuvi now approved for in Australia?

Australia’s TGA registered Minjuvi with rituximab and lenalidomide for adults with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma Grade 1–3a. The approval was based on Phase 3 inMIND. [4]

What is notable about Abogen’s ABO2203?

ABO2203 is an mRNA-encoded CD3×CD19 T-cell engager delivered by LNP. Abogen reported preliminary first-in-human data in nine R/R B-NHL patients, with no CRS or ICANS reported. [5]

What access update did BMS and Pfizer announce for Eliquis?

The BMS–Pfizer Alliance said Eliquis will be offered through Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company beginning 27 Apr 2026. The update targets cash-paying US patients with a prescription. [6]

What did Novo Nordisk report for etavopivat in HIBISCUS?

Novo Nordisk said etavopivat met both co-primary endpoints in Phase 3 HIBISCUS, reducing vaso-occlusive crisis events and improving haemoglobin response in sickle cell disease. [7]

Why is the Nigeria sickle cell disease study important?

The cited study reported Nigeria has more than 1.5 million children under 15 living with sickle cell disease. The article highlights newborn screening and early treatment as priority interventions. [8]

What is CSL Korea’s hemophilia campaign focused on?

CSL Korea’s campaign links World Hemophilia Day to earlier diagnosis of bleeding disorders. It emphasizes specialist consultation, patient education, and ongoing management after diagnosis. [9]

Entities / Keywords

GSK, Blenrep, belantamab mafodotin, anti-BCMA ADC, DREAMM-7, BVd, DVd, relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, 2L+ MM, NMPA, China
Sanofi, Sarclisa, isatuximab-irfc, subcutaneous isatuximab, on-body injector, multiple myeloma, FDA, CHMP
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, CAR-PRISM, cilta-cel, ciltacabtagene autoleucel, CAR-T, BCMA, high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma, MRD
Specialised Therapeutics, Incyte, Minjuvi, Monjuvi, tafasitamab, rituximab, lenalidomide, follicular lymphoma, R/R FL, inMIND, TGA, Australia
Abogen, ABO2203, mRNA-encoded TCE, CD3×CD19, lipid nanoparticle, LNP, relapsed or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, R/R B-NHL, DLBCL, FL, MCL, MZL
Bristol Myers Squibb, Pfizer, Eliquis, apixaban, Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company, Cost Plus Drugs, AFib, DVT, PE, anticoagulant access
Novo Nordisk, etavopivat, HIBISCUS, pyruvate kinase-R activator, PKR activator, sickle cell disease, SCD, vaso-occlusive crisis, VOC, haemoglobin response
Nigeria, sickle cell disease, SCD, childhood SCD burden, newborn screening, penicillin prophylaxis, hydroxyurea, Lancet Child & Adolescent Health
CSL Korea, hemophilia, bleeding disorders, World Hemophilia Day, early diagnosis, Abstyla, ronoctocog alfa, Idelvion, albutrepenonacog alfa