New Global Cholangiocarcinoma Alliance announces founding supporters

London, Q2, 2019 | It has been announced today, June 28, 2019, that Agios and Incyte will be the founding supporters of the Global Cholangiocarcinoma Alliance.

Following a hugely successful World Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness Day and Global Cholangiocarcinoma Alliance (GCA) launch campaign on February 12, 2019, the GCA are proud to announce Agios and Incyte as its first supporters. Agios, a biopharmaceutical company based in Massachusetts, US, and Incyte, a pharmaceutical company based in Delaware, US are delighted to join the initiative.

The GCA will drive awareness of cholangiocarcinoma, ensure patients are directed to established support groups, and develop resources to empower and better support the cholangiocarcinoma community.

About the GCA and cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma, also known as bile duct cancer, although relatively rare, is the world’s second most common primary liver cancer, with high a mortality rate. The worldwide incidence is increasing year on year, presenting a significant challenge to healthcare professionals and patients. The epidemiology of the disease varies between regions, with risk factors well defined in some areas, and poorly in others.^1,2

The GCA is guided by a highly experienced steering committee, bringing together the current worldwide expertise of leading physicians, researchers, representatives from patient advocacy groups, and professional societies. The GCA is also supported by a network of international organizations who are all equally passionate about the vision and mission of the GCA.

Through awareness activities, such as World Cholangiocarcinoma Day, the GCA will work tirelessly to ensure its shared vision of raising the awareness of cholangiocarcinoma is achieved globally in order to improve prevention, survival, and the quality of life of all cholangiocarcinoma patients.

“The Global Cholangiocarcinoma Alliance will empower all of us who are united by the vision of a better future for everyone affected by cholangiocarcinoma, enabling us to work with a collective voice worldwide for raised awareness and more international research towards improved treatments and, ultimately, a cure. AMMF is proud to work with the Alliance towards this goal.” Helen Morement, CEO AMMF, United Kingdom

“The mission of the GCA is to compassionately and masterfully improve the lives of patients and advance scientific knowledge worldwide. Proudly through collaboration, we share our passion and information to pursue early detection methods and curative treatment options in the most effective and thoughtful way.” Susan Acquisto, The Bili Project Foundation, United States

"The leading cause of death in most SE Asian countries is cholangiocarcinoma. The main risk factor is liver fluke infection. Unfortunately, it has been an overlooked disease. The launch of the GCA has changed that, bringing it to the attention of the world. I am proud to be part of this important work." Professor Puangrat Yongvanit, Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation of Thailand, and CASCAP, Thailand

The GCA is supported by Scientific Education Support (SES) who act as the secretariat. SES loves nothing more than building communities and networks to facilitate education through collaboration, ensuring that patients have access to the latest support and treatment options.

For more information on the GCA please visit: www.globalccaalliance.com. For all press and media enquires please contact: secretariat@scientificeducationsupport.com.

Twitter: @CCA_Alliance
Facebook: @globalCCAalliance

GCA Steering Committee

• Helen Morement – AMMF – The Cholangiocarcinoma Charity – United Kingdom
• Stacie Lindsey – The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation – United States
• Susan Acquisto – The Bili Project Foundation – United States
• Jim Palma – TargetCancer Foundation – United States
• Professor Narong Khuntikeo – Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation of Thailand, and CASCAP – Thailand
• Professor Puangrat Yongvanit – Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation of Thailand, and CASCAP – Thailand
• Professor Ross Andrews – Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation of Thailand, and CASCAP – Thailand
• Doctor Vincenzo Cardinale – European Network for the Study of Cholangiocarcinoma – Italy
• Professor Jesper Andersen – European Network for the Study of Cholangiocarcinoma – Denmark

International Community Partners

A growing network

• AMMF – The Cholangiocarcinoma Charity www.ammf.org.uk
• The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation www.cholangiocarcinoma.org
• The Bili Project Foundation www.thebiliproject.org
• TargetCancer Foundation www.targetcancerfoundation.org
• Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation of Thailand http://www.cca.in.th/home/
• Cholangiocarcinoma Screening and Care Program (CASCAP) https://cascap.kku.ac.th/
• Cholangiocarcinoma-UK http://www.basl.org.uk/index.cfm/content/page/cid/28
• European Network for the Study of Cholangiocarcinoma http://www.enscca.org/

References
1. Anderson C.D. et al. Diagnosis and treatment of cholangiocarcinoma. Oncologist. 2004 Feb 9. DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.9-1-43

2. Banales J.M. et al. Expert consensus document: Cholangiocarcinoma: current knowledge and future perspectives consensus statement from the European Network for the Study of Cholangiocarcinoma (ENS-CCA). Nat Rev Gastro & Hepat. 2016 April 20. DOI: 10.1038/nrgastro.2016.51