GSK and Queer Eye’s Thom Filicia Partner on Blood Cancer Awareness Initiative

GSK plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK) has partnered with former Queer Eye star and interior designer Thom Filicia to launch Mapping Myelofibrosis, a new health education initiative aiming to help those impacted by myelofibrosis (MF) better navigate the disease. This year marks the 10-year anniversary of Filicia donating bone marrow to his brother, who was diagnosed with MF a few months prior to the transplant. Filicia now looks to use his voice to help raise awareness of this blood cancer, which can be difficult to diagnose and manage.¹

MF impacts nearly 25,000 people in the U.S. and is part of a larger group of blood cancers that affect the bone marrow, called myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs).^2,3 Each person experiences MF differently, presenting significant challenges in identifying symptoms and mapping out treatment paths.¹

“After my brother’s diagnosis, we didn't understand the magnitude of what he was up against,” said Filicia. “The reality of MF presents unique challenges for each individual, and as my brother overcame this disease, I realized the need to ensure more accessible information and resources. This experience led me to team up with GSK on Mapping Myelofibrosis to continue raising awareness of this complex blood cancer.”

Mapping Myelofibrosis includes the launch of a website featuring educational resources about MF, community stories, and messages from Filicia. In developing the initiative, GSK sought input from the MF community through collaborations with organizations including the MPN Research Foundation (MPNRF) and MPN Advocacy & Education International (MPN A&E).

Faris El Refaie, Head of Oncology, U.S. of GSK said: “At GSK, we are committed to advancing the standard of care in oncology and supporting communities impacted by hematologic cancers. Recognizing an unmet need in myelofibrosis, we developed Mapping Myelofibrosis to cultivate awareness and provide a platform to foster support and education.”

Kapila Viges, CEO of MPN Research Foundation said: “This initiative by GSK represents a meaningful step forward in ensuring those living with MF and their families have access to tailored resources to help guide them through the complexities of this disease. Hearing Filicia tell his story reinforces the importance of enhancing our understanding of MF, and all MPNs.”

Ann Brazeau, CEO and Founder of MPN A&E said: “Ensuring that patients with MF and their loved ones feel seen and heard while navigating a rare disease is so important. Educational resources like GSK’s Mapping Myelofibrosis initiative are critical for patients and their families when it comes to making informed decisions around their care.”