WILMINGTON, DE — Incyte has selected eight healthcare professionals and researchers from major U.S. cancer centers for its 2026 MPN Heroes program, recognizing contributions to clinical research, treatment access and patient care for people with myeloproliferative neoplasms, a group of rare blood cancers.
The Wilmington-based biopharmaceutical company said the honorees were nominated by peers and selected by an independent panel of patient advocates and medical experts. The awards, now in their 14th year, recognize work addressing the clinical and personal challenges associated with MPNs.
This year’s recipients include specialists involved in clinical trial access, disease biology, blood clotting complications and the development of research resources intended to support future treatments.
Among the honorees is Brandi Reeves, M.D., of the University of North Carolina, who founded an MPN program in 2019 and conducts research into blood clotting and bleeding complications associated with the diseases.
Joseph M. Scandura, M.D., Ph.D., of Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, was recognized for collaborative research and the development of an MPN Research Data Repository designed to support scientific investigations.
Incyte disclosed that Scandura serves as a paid member of the company’s advisory board.
Shannon Elf, Ph.D., of Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, was selected for research into MPN biology and for establishing the institute’s MPN Working Group, which connects scientific research, clinical care and patient engagement.
The other five recipients were recognized primarily for clinical care and efforts to improve access to treatment:
- Nicole Alimi, N.P., of UCLA Health Bowyer Oncology Center, for helping patients navigate clinical trials and coordinate care with physicians and research teams.
- Aleksey Aronov, N.P., of Mount Sinai MPN Clinic, for individualized patient care informed by developments in MPN research.
- Raymond Hernandez, N.P., of City of Hope Los Angeles, for patient care that includes monitoring for disease progression and relapse.
- Stacey Fuller Hoffman of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center at the University of Washington, for expanding access to treatment opportunities and supporting patients through clinical decisions.
- Swathi Namburi, M.D., of the Center for Blood Disorders and Cellular Therapy at Swedish Cancer Institute, for addressing barriers to treatment and tailoring care to patients’ circumstances.
“Progress is not only measured by scientific advances, but also by the passion, commitment and intentional connections made by dedicated individuals who deepen our understanding of each patient’s experience and help personalize care,” said Mohamed Issa, Incyte’s executive vice president and head of U.S. commercial operations.
The recipients were chosen by a five-member judging panel comprising patient advocates Ed Bartholemy and Lea Fosbenner; Patrick Buxton, R.N., of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center; Aïcha Diallo of Patient Empowerment Network; and Irum Khan, M.D., of Northwestern University’s Fei
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