Incyte Names Eight Winners for MPN Heroes Program
The 14th annual initiative recognizes clinicians and researchers working to improve care for those with blood cancers.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Cancer
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Incyte has announced the eight recipients of its 2026 MPN Heroes program, which recognizes leaders in clinical research and patient care for myeloproliferative neoplasms. This annual initiative honors healthcare professionals dedicated to addressing the complex clinical and personal challenges patients face.
Why it matters
Recognizing innovation in specialized care helps highlight advancements in the treatment landscape for myeloproliferative neoplasms. These awards spotlight experts whose work improves how patients access care and manage the long-term impact of these blood disorders.
Incyte named eight honorees for the 14th annual MPN Heroes program, following a peer-nomination process evaluated by an independent panel of five medical experts and patient advocates. The specific metrics used by the panel to weigh nominees remain undisclosed.
The players
Incyte
A pharmaceutical company headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, that focuses on oncology and inflammatory disease therapies.
Brandi Reeves
A clinical researcher at the University of North Carolina known for founding a specialized MPN program in 2019.
Shannon Elf
A researcher at the Huntsman Cancer Institute recognized for establishing the MPN Working Group.
Joseph M. Scandura
A medical professional affiliated with Weill Cornell Medicine who serves as a paid member of the Incyte advisory board.
The details
The program honors contributors across research, treatment access, and patient advocacy for myeloproliferative neoplasms, a group of blood cancers characterized by the overproduction of blood cells. Honorees include figures such as Brandi Reeves, who founded a specialized MPN program at the University of North Carolina in 2019, and Shannon Elf, who established the MPN Working Group at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. The program aims to bridge the gap between clinical research and daily patient management.
Timeline
2019: Brandi Reeves founded the MPN program at the University of North Carolina.
2026: Incyte announced the recipients for the 14th annual MPN Heroes awards.
Health Landscape
The MPN Heroes program reflects an ongoing effort to align clinical expertise with the collaborative goals of organizations like the MPN Working Group. These initiatives represent a broader trend of integrating patient advocacy with specialized blood cancer research.
For patients managing myeloproliferative neoplasms, this program highlights centers of excellence and providers active in current clinical developments. Patients may use this information to identify specialized research programs and discuss ongoing care options with their local hematologist.
The takeaway
Recognizing experts in rare blood disorders helps to standardize care and improve access for patients navigating chronic diagnoses. If you have been diagnosed with an MPN, consider asking your physician about clinical trials or specialty programs offered at academic medical centers in your area.
Further reading
For more on evolving standards of care, visit Cancer.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MyChesCo.
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