Binding Site is pleased to announce that the ground-breaking iStopMM (Iceland Screens, Treats or Prevents Multiple Myeloma) study has reached an important milestone, with the publication of a paper outlining the design and recruitment of this population-based screening study.¹ 

The large-scale study – which includes over 80,000 individuals, more than half of the eligible population of Iceland – aims to use a combination of blood-based testing, imaging, bone marrow sampling and clinical questionnaires to improve our basic understanding of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), which precedes multiple myeloma (MM).

The iStopMM study was first conceived as a result of informal discussions during Binding Site’s 7th International Symposium: Clinical applications of free light chain and heavy/light chain analysis in 2015 and, in January 2016, work commenced on screening all adults over the age of 40 in Iceland for the earliest signs of MM, aiming to prevent the cancer before it develops. As an active partner in this study, Binding Site has successfully tested over 75,000 samples to date using its revolutionary Freelite® immunodiagnostic assay and benchtop Optilite® analyser, providing valuable data to help understand and treat MGUS.

Stefan Wolf, CEO of Binding Site, commented: “At Binding Site, our mission, above all else, is to have the patient at the heart of everything we do. It is a privilege to be involved in a study of this size and calibre. Ultimately, this pivotal research will be key to answering two important questions: is population-based screening for MGUS beneficial? And what is the optimum monitoring approach for patient management?”

Professor Sigurdur Kristinsson, Principal Investigator for the iStopMM study, added: “We chose to collaborate with Binding Site on this project because the company has a history of changing the way we look at multiple myeloma and its precursors . Freelite is a reliable, very accurate assay that has been used all over the world for several years, and is the current standard of care when it comes to this disease. All in all, we knew we were in good hands.”

To learn more about the Freelite assay and Optilite analyser, go to www.bindingsite.com

To find out more about iStopMM, visit www.myeloma.org/black-swan-research-initiative/istopmm

¹Rögnvaldsson S, et al. Iceland screens, treats, or prevents multiple myeloma (iStopMM): a population-based screening study for monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and randomized controlled trial of follow-up strategies. Blood Cancer Journal, 2021, 11, 94.

About The Binding Site

The Binding Site was founded in 1986 by a group of former researchers based at the University of Birmingham and is recognised today as a market leader in the development of products for the investigation of a range of disorders involving immunodeficiency.  Its product range covers immunoglobulins, subclasses, vaccine response and complement.

The Company is built on the success of its people which includes some of the best R&D staff helping to shape the future of diagnostics; it recognises the value of its employees and looks to provide development and support opportunities to maximise the potential of its 1,100 staff (over 750 are based at its flagship headquarters in Birmingham UK).  Over the last five years TBS has grown 100% and recruited and trained over 40 apprentices.  In 2020 The Binding Site generated over £150m in revenue enabling it to further invest in people and new products. The Binding Site has a direct presence in over 25 countries and product sales through business partners in more than 100 countries.