Bristol-Myers Squibb collaborates with ImClone on Erbitux in North America and is making the product commercially available through its wholly-owned subsidiary Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada.
Erbitux is approved by Health Canada for use in combination with irinotecan in the treatment of patients with epidermal growth factor receptor-expressing metastatic colorectal cancer who are refractory to other irinotecan-based chemotherapy, and as single agent therapy for patients who are intolerant to irinotecan-based chemotherapy. The trial supporting this approval was conducted by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, the partner of ImClone for Erbitux outside of North America.
ImClone has also announced that Health Canada’s biologics and genetic therapies directorate has approved Erbitux for use in combination with radiation therapy for the initial treatment of locally or regionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
Joseph DePinto, vice president of commercial operations at ImClone, said: “ImClone is pleased to have Erbitux available as a new option in treating cancer patients in Canada as we continue our efforts to maximize patient access and fully realize the global potential of Erbitux.”