ImClone Systems and Bristol-Myers Squibb announce Erbitux development

Bristol-Myers Squibb has revealed that its treatment for colorectal cancer could soon be available in Japan.

Working in partnership with ImClone Systems, the New York-based pharmaceutical company confirmed it has submitted an application with the relevant authorities for approval of the sale and use of its Erbitux (Cetuximab) product.

Erbitux is an antibody which aims to inhibit the function of tumour cell growth and tests demonstrated its effects on the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in both in vivo animal studies and in vitro assays.

“The Japanese submission was based on results from studies conducted in Europe and Japan which confirm the activity of Erbitux in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer,” stated Bristol-Myers Squibb.

In addition, the company noted that the application was made following a series of collaborations on the treatment’s development with both Merck and ImClone Systems.

Erbitux was tested for effectiveness and safety through controlled clinical trials on patients with EGFR-expressing metastatic colorectal cancer, either as a single agent or in combination with irinotecan.

Last month, it was announced that phase III studies of Erbitux plus an irinotecan- based chemotherapy had met the primary endpoint of enhancing progression-free survival rates of patients with previously untreated colorectal cancer.