With pancreatic cancer poised to become the third leading cause of cancer death in Europe, Celgene International Sàrl, a subsidiary of Celgene, has reiterated its commitment to patients and their families with the announcement that it will focus significant resources to increase awareness and understanding of the disease. Key initiatives include a clinical study programme involving more than 4,800 patients, as well as investment in research partnerships, both of which can help to uncover innovative new treatment options and advance the understanding of the biology of the disease. Celgene also is looking into opportunities to better understand the needs of patients and caregivers specifically, through dedicated research planned for later in 2014. These initiatives aim to help address the lack of progress in this disease, as highlighted by the Consumer Powerhouse European Pancreatic Cancer Index, or EPCI, published yesterday. There are only three medications approved for advanced pancreatic cancer, as more than 30 Phase III clinical trials have failed in this area in the last decades. The task of finding new treatment options that can succeed in clinical studies and bring a meaningful benefit to patients is daunting, but it is a task that Celgene is committed to continue making a reality. The company has one of the most extensive clinical study programmes in pancreatic cancer: Today, there are 18 clinical studies being supported by Celgene involving more than 4,800 patients, including a registration study for early-stage resectable cancer; a Celgene-sponsored study on locally advanced disease and in a special population of difficult-to-treat patients; and 15 independent, physician-led studies into other aspects of the disease.