BeiGene South Africa Shines a Light on Blood Cancer Awareness Month

BeiGene, Ltd. (NASDAQ: BGNE; HKEX: 06160; SSE: 688235), a global oncology company with a growing presence in South Africa, is proud to support both global and local initiatives for Blood Cancer Awareness Month. The company is focused on raising awareness about B cell malignancies, a group of cancers that affect B lymphocytes. These include mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), marginal zone lymphoma (MZL), Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM), and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), one of the most common lymphoid cancers affecting older adults .1,2,3

About Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL)
CLL is a slow-progressing form of leukaemia that often presents with few or no symptoms at first but can develop into issues such as fatigue, nausea, pain, breathing difficulties (dyspnea), sleep disturbances, appetite loss, and constipation often arise. If left untreated, some symptoms can impact the well-being and quality of life of patients. Early diagnosis is crucial to ensure proper management of the disease3 ,4,5

Dr. Theo Mothoa-Frendo, Medical Director of BeiGene South Africa, stressed the importance of public understanding of blood cancers: “Raising awareness about blood cancers is essential for encouraging early diagnosis and timely access to care. The goal of treatment is to improve patients’ quality of life and reduce side effects where possible, helping to manage the disease over the long term.”

“This is especially crucial as CLL patients frequently experience symptoms like swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin, recurrent infections, fatigue, nausea and/or vomiting, pain, bleeding tendencies, dyspnea, loss of appetite, weight loss and sleep disturbances which can greatly impact their overall well-being,” Dr Mothoa-Frendo added.

Dr. Mothoa-Frendo went on to highlight the importance of patient involvement in treatment decisions, saying, “Patients have expressed a clear desire to take an active role in their treatment plans. Many prefer oral medications, shorter treatment durations, and outpatient care, which allows them to maintain their daily routines while managing their disease. 6 At BeiGene, patient safety and well-being are our highest priorities. Our treatments are developed to meet the most stringent safety and efficacy standards, ensuring that we provide reliable therapeutic options. We are committed to offering clear and accurate information to patients and their families, helping them make informed decisions about their health and treatment.”

Advancing Cancer Care and Supporting the Community Year-Round
While Blood Cancer Awareness Month highlights the challenges of blood cancers, BeiGene’s efforts continue year-round. “We believe that collaboration is key to advancing care,” said Amy Reddy, Country General Manager of BeiGene South Africa.

BeiGene is a global oncology company founded with a mission to ensure that medicines are accessible to people facing cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The company’s first commercially available treatment for B cell malignancies has been approved in over 70 countries and was recently approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), offering patients in South Africa a new treatment option. “Our commitment to providing cutting-edge therapies to patients, including those with complex B cell malignancies, is unwavering,” Reddy said. We are proud to bring these new treatments to South Africa at a time similar to other global regions.”

BeiGene is also expanding its impact through its global clinical trial network, which now includes South Africa. With over 130 trials worldwide, the company aims to ensure that patients have access to the latest advances in cancer treatment. This commitment to innovation is helping bridge treatment gaps and improve patient outcomes globally.

Joining the Conversation
Blood Cancer Awareness Month serves as a vital time to create awareness of the disease and the symptoms as well as address the emotional and psychological impact of CLL on patients and their caregivers. 3

BeiGene encourages everyone affected by blood cancer to join the conversation, through open discussions with healthcare providers or with family and friends. Honest communication can break down the emotional barriers often associated with blood cancer, helping to connect patients and caregivers to the support their need.3,6

“If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of blood cancer, such as fatigue, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss, it’s important to speak to your doctor or healthcare professional,” advises Dr. Mothoa-Frendo. “Early diagnosis and timely treatment can make a significant difference in outcomes, and healthcare professionals can help answer any questions or concerns.”

About BeiGene
BeiGene is a global oncology company committed to discovering and developing innovative treatments that are more affordable and accessible to cancer patients worldwide. With a broad portfolio, BeiGene is accelerating the development of its diverse pipeline of novel therapeutics through internal capabilities and collaborations. The company is dedicated to improving access to medicines for the patients who need them most. BeiGene’s growing global team of more than 10,000 colleagues spans five continents. To learn more about BeiGene, please visit www.beigene.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram.

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Author: Ntandoyenkosinabadala Makhoba from Burson Africa on behalf of BeiGene.

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