Mariska Hargitay Investigates Myeloma for Dad

Twenty-six years after becoming synonymous with New York City sex crimes as Olivia Benson on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," Mariska Hargitay is taking on a new role. She is partnering with Bristol Myers Squibb for the "Investigating Myeloma" campaign, a personal mission spurred by the death of her father, actor Mickey Hargitay, from multiple myeloma in 2006. Hargitay seeks to honor her father and address her own questions about the disease. She also aims to raise awareness for CELMoD research, a novel scientific approach with renewed hope for patients. Bristol Myers Squibb's CELMoD strategy focuses on modulating key proteins to stimulate the immune system against cancer cells. Recent findings presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting showed promising results for their CELMoD candidate, mezigdomide, in combination therapy for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Another CELMoD agent, iberdomide, is also advancing, with an FDA decision anticipated in August, potentially marking the first approval in its drug class. Hargitay's personal journey, stemming from noticing her father's fatigue in 2004, forms the core of the campaign, emphasizing the critical need for continued scientific investigation. The campaign features a video where Hargitay revisits her father's life and illness, underscoring the complexity of the disease and the importance of understanding new research avenues like CELMoD. She hopes to educate others impacted by multiple myeloma and inspire them not to give up.