Primary Myelofibrosis

Comprehensive Analysis Exposes Severe Lung Diseases from Artificial Stone Dust Exposure NOVATO, Calif., March 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new medical review published in the Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology has uncovered a troubling rise in accelerated silicosis and other serious lung diseases among artificial stone workers. The analysis, led by Dr. Jane C. Fazio and colleagues Dr. Karoly Viragh, Dr. Jenny Houlroyd and Dr. Sheiphali A. Gandhi, highlights the health risks associated with exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and other toxic dust, which is released during the fabrication of high-silica artificial stone countertops. Continue Reading Silicosis is a progressive and incurable lung disease that occurs when inhaled silica dust causes lung scarring. Traditionally, silicosis was seen in industries such as mining and construction, where workers were exposed to silica over decades. However, this study found that artificial stone fabricators—who work with materials containing more than 90% silica—are developing accelerated and acute forms of silicosis in as little as two to ten years of exposure. Comprehensive Analysis Exposes Severe Lung Diseases from Artificial Stone Dust Exposure Post this With no known cure and limited treatment options, accelerated silicosis leads to severe disability and, in advanced cases, the need for lung transplantation. This study provides critical new anlysis on the impact of artificial stone fabrication and the serious health risks facing workers in this industry. Key Findings from the Study Sharp Increase in Severe Silicosis Cases Artificial stone workers have a significantly higher risk of developing advanced silicosis compared to other silica-exposed industries. Up to 40% of artificial stone workers in some regions have been diagnosed with progressive massive fibrosis (PMF), the most severe form of silicosis. PMF leads to extensive lung scarring, respiratory failure, and a significantly reduced life expectancy. Rapid Disease Progression Unlike chronic silicosis, which typically develops after decades of exposure, artificial stone workers are experiencing accelerated forms of the disease within just a few years. Some cases of acute silicosis—caused by high levels of silica exposure in a short time—have developed within months. Many workers with PMF are experiencing severe respiratory decline and are being evaluated for lung transplants. Additional Health Risks In addition to silicosis, artificial stone workers are facing increased rates of: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Lung cancer Autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), and lupus Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and renal failure The study also notes that misdiagnosis is common. Many cases of accelerated silicosis have initially been mistaken for sarcoidosis or tuberculosis, delaying proper treatment. Understanding the Health Impacts of Silica Exposure The high silica content in artificial stone and the fabrication process—particularly cutting, grinding, and polishing—generate enormous amounts of nano-sized particles of silica dust. When inhaled, these tiny particles embed deep into the lungs, causing inflammation, fibrosis, and irreversible lung damage. While traditional silicosis progresses slowly over decades, artificial stone workers experience much higher exposure levels, leading to faster and more severe disease progression. In many cases, the disease continues to worsen even after exposure stops, making early detection critical. Because silicosis is a progressive disease with no cure, treatment is limited to symptom management, oxygen therapy, and lung transplantation for end-stage cases. Early diagnosis can help slow progression and improve outcomes, but many workers are diagnosed too late to prevent serious complications. To view the full study, please visit Legal and Medical Considerations for Affected Workers As awareness of this growing health crisis increases, artificial stone workers diagnosed with silicosis, lung cancer, or other silica-related illnesses may be entitled to compensation. Workers were not adequately warned about the risks of artificial stone dust exposure by manufacturers or suppliers. Brayton Purcell LLP has spent decades advocating for workers suffering from occupational lung diseases. Our experienced attorneys are committed to helping artificial stone workers and their families seek justice. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with silicosis, lung cancer, or another silica-related condition, you may be eligible for significant financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Early diagnosis is critical. Get the legal support you need today. Contact Us for a Free Consultation-- (800) 598-0314 PR Contact [email protected] 415-898-1555 SOURCE Brayton Purcell LLP WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

The primary objective of the study is to determine the anti-tumor activity of tasquinimod as monotherapy in JAKi-relapsed or ineligible patients, and separately in combination with the JAKi ruxolitinib in patients with a suboptimal response to ruxolitinib alone, based on the measurement of objective response rate (ORR) after six cycles of treatment. Secondary objectives include safety and tolerability, symptom burden, duration of response and bone marrow fibrosis grade. The study is being conducted at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX, and the principal investigator is Lucia Masarova, M.D., assistant professor of Leukemia at MD Anderson. Active Biotech will support the study with the Investigational Medicinal Product and related costs. Detailed information about the study is available on clinicaltrials.gov NCT06327100. “The use of tasquinimod as a single agent in relapsed/refractory myelofibrosis patients as well as in combination with a JAK2 inhibitor is aligned with our current understanding of its potential capabilities of positively modulating the suppressive bone marrow microenvironment. We are enthusiastic to follow the progress of the study,” said Dr Erik Vahtola, Chief Medical Officer at Active Biotech.

“We are pleased to have enrolled the first patient into the study where tasquinimod will be evaluated in a patient population with high unmet medical need for new treatment options with a different mechanism of action. I am excited to follow the study progress,” said Dr. Erik Vahtola, CMO of Active Biotech. The single-arm, multi-center open-label study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of tasquinimod given as monotherapy. The run-in safety part (phase I) will determine dose-limiting toxicity during 28 days of treatment in the first patients whereafter enrolment into the efficacy phase II part will begin. The primary efficacy endpoint is the proportion of patients who achieve at least a 35% reduction in spleen volume after six 4-week cycles of tasquinimod. Further, the study will determine the effect of tasquinimod on changes in bone marrow fibrosis, myelofibrosis-related symptoms, changes in variant allele frequency and overall survival. The study will be conducted at the Stichting Haemato-Oncologie Volwassenen Netherland (HOVON) network of study centers in the Netherlands and Germany and HOVON is the legal sponsor of the study. Active Biotech has a global patent license agreement with Oncode Institute for tasquinimod in myelofibrosis since February 2022. Oncode Institute will be the main financier of the study. For more information on the study, see clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06605586), the HOVON website www.hovon.nl and the previously recorded interview with lead principal investigator Rebekka Schneider, connected to Oncode Institute and Erasmus MC https://ir.financialhearings.com/active-biotech-2023.