ImClone and Bristol-Myers Squibb Announce Joint Agreement with Merck KGaA to Co-Develop and Co-Commercialize ERBITUX(R) in Japan.NEW YORK -- ImClone Systems Incorporated (NASDAQ NASDAQ in full National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations U.S. market for over-the-counter securities. Established in 1971 by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), NASDAQ is an automated quotation system that reports on : IMCL) and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE NYSE See: New York Stock Exchange : BMY) today announced that they have established an agreement with Merck KGaA for the co-development and co-commercialization of ERBITUX([R]) (cetuximab) in Japan. Under the terms of the agreement, ImClone Systems, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Merck KGaA will collaborate on a joint effort to develop and, following regulatory approval, market ERBITUX in Japan for the treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor This article is about a cell suface receptor. For estimated measure of kidney function (eGFR), see Glomerular filtration rate. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-expressing metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), as well as for the treatment of any other cancers the parties agree to pursue. Bristol-Myers Squibb and Merck KGaA will utilize their respective sales forces in Japan, and the three companies will share profits/losses realized as a result of the agreement. Merck Serono Japan will distribute the product and record the sales for the collaboration. The terms of this new agreement provide that Merck KGaA will receive 50 percent of the profit/loss from sales in Japan, and ImClone Systems and BMS will each receive 25 percent. The sharing of profit/loss reflect the co-exclusive rights to ERBITUX in Japan, previously granted by ImClone Systems to Merck KGaA and Bristol-Myers Squibb. In addition to its percentage of profits, ImClone Systems will receive from Merck KGaA a royalty equal to 4.75 percent of total net sales in Japan. ImClone Systems, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Merck KGaA of Darmstadt, Germany submitted an application in Japan earlier this year for the use of ERBITUX in treating patients with EGFR-expressing mCRC. The submission is a result of a development collaboration among the three companies and is based on results from studies conducted in North America, Europe and Japan. ERBITUX is the first monoclonal antibody that inhibits EGFR to be submitted for marketing authorization in Japan. "We are pleased to have established this agreement with our ERBITUX partners Bristol-Myers Squibb and Merck KGaA. Doing so puts the companies in a solid position to make ERBITUX available to EGFR-expressing metastatic colorectal cancer patients in Japan upon a final decision from Japanese regulatory officials," said John H. Johnson John Harold Johnson (January 19, 1918 – August 8, 2005) was the founder of the Johnson Publishing Company, an international media and cosmetics empire headquartered in Chicago, Illinois that includes Ebony, and Jet , Chief Executive Officer of ImClone Systems. "This agreement further strengthens our partnership with ImClone Systems and Merck KGaA as we focus on maximizing the global potential of ERBITUX," said Lamberto Andreotti, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Chief Operating Officer (COO) The officer of a firm responsible for day-to-day management, usually the president or an executive vice-president. , Worldwide Pharmaceuticals, Bristol-Myers Squibb. "If approved in Japan, ERBITUX would be an important new addition to the treatments available to Japanese patients with EGFR-expressing metastatic colorectal cancer." About Colorectal Cancer In Japan, the incidence of colorectal cancer has increased markedly during the last 50 years. Among men and women in Japan, the incidence is higher than for lung cancer (95,651 per year vs 66,453) and second to stomach cancer (95,651 per year vs 109,779). In terms of mortality, the ranking is slightly different; colorectal cancer is now the third largest cancer threat in Japan after lung and stomach cancer (38,206, 56,367 and 54,423 people per year, respectively). Approximately 25 percent of colorectal cancer patients present with metastatic disease or cancer that has spread to other organs. EGFR is expressed in 60-80 percent of colorectal cancer tumors. About ERBITUX([R]) (cetuximab) ERBITUX is a monoclonal antibody (IgG1 Mab) designed to inhibit the function of a molecular structure expressed on the surface of normal and tumor cells called the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR, HER1, c-ErbB-1). In vitro assays and in vivo animal studies have shown that binding of ERBITUX to the EGFR blocks phosphorylation phosphorylation, chemical process in which a phosphate group is added to an organic molecule. In living cells phosphorylation is associated with respiration, which takes place in the cell's mitochondria, and photosynthesis, which takes place in the chloroplasts. and activation of receptor-associated kinases, resulting in inhibition of cell growth, induction of apoptosis, and decreased matrix metalloproteinase and vascular endothelial growth factor Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important signaling protein involved in both vasculogenesis (the de novo formation of the embryonic circulatory system) and angiogenesis (the growth of blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature). production. In vitro, ERBITUX can mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC ADCC antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. ADCC antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. ) against certain human tumor types. While the mechanism of ERBITUX's anti-tumor effect(s) in vivo is unknown, all of these processes may contribute to the overall therapeutic effect of ERBITUX. EGFR is part of a signaling pathway that is linked to the growth and development of many human cancers, including those of the head and neck, colon and rectum. ERBITUX, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of EGFR-expressing, metastatic colorectal carcinoma (mCRC) after failure of both irinotecan- and oxaliplatin-based regimens. ERBITUX, as a single agent, is also indicated for the treatment of EGFR-expressing metastatic colorectal cancer in patients who are intolerant to irinotecan-based regimen. For full prescribing information, including boxed WARNINGS regarding infusion reactions and cardiopulmonary arrest, visit http://www.ERBITUX.com. Important Safety Information Grade 3/4 infusion reactions occurred in approximately 3% of patients receiving ERBITUX (Cetuximab) in clinical trials with fatal outcome reported in less than 1 in 1000. Reactions characterized by rapid onset of airway obstruction (bronchospasm bronchospasm /bron·cho·spasm/ (brong´ko-spazm) bronchial spasm; spasmodic contraction of the smooth muscle of the bronchi, as in asthma. bron·cho·spasm n. , stridor Stridor Definition Stridor is a term used to describe noisy breathing in general, and to refer specifically to a high-pitched crowing sound associated with croup, respiratory infection, and airway obstruction. , hoarseness), urticaria urticaria /ur·ti·ca·ria/ (ur?ti-kar´e-ah) hives; a vascular reaction of the upper dermis marked by transient appearance of slightly elevated patches (wheals) which are redder or paler than the surrounding skin and often attended by , hypotension, loss of consciousness, and/or cardiac arrest. Severe infusion reactions require immediate and permanent discontinuation of ERBITUX therapy. Most reactions (90%) were associated with the first infusion of ERBITUX despite premedication premedication /pre·med·i·ca·tion/ (pre?med-i-ka´shun) 1. preliminary administration of a drug preceding a diagnostic, therapeutic, or surgical procedure, as an antibiotic or antianxiety agent. 2. with antihistamines Antihistamines Definition Antihistamines are drugs that block the action of histamine (a compound released in allergic inflammatory reactions) at the H1 . Caution must be exercised with every ERBITUX infusion as there were patients who experienced their first severe infusion reaction during later infusions. Monitor patients for 1-hour following ERBITUX infusions in a setting with resuscitation equipment and other agents necessary to treat anaphylaxis anaphylaxis (ăn'əfəlăk`sĭs), hypersensitive state that may develop after introduction of a foreign protein or other antigen into the body tissues. (e.g., epinephrine, corticosteroids, intravenous antihistamines, bronchodilators Bronchodilators Definition Bronchodilators are medicines that help open the bronchial tubes (airways) of the lungs, allowing more air to flow through them. , and oxygen). Longer observation periods may be required in patients who require treatment for infusion reactions. Interstitial lung disease Interstitial lung disease About 180 diseases fall into this category of breathing disorders. Injury or foreign substances in the lungs (such as asbestos fibers) as well as infections, cancers, or inherited disorders may cause the diseases. (ILD), which was fatal in one case, occurred in 4 of 1570 (<0.5%) of patients receiving ERBITUX in clinical trials. Permanently discontinue ERBITUX where ILD is confirmed. In clinical studies of ERBITUX, dermatologic toxicities, including acneform rash, skin drying and fissuring, paronychial paronychial /par·o·nych·i·al/ (-nik´e-al) pertaining to paronychia or to the nail folds. paronychial adjective Referring to paronychia, see there inflammation, infectious sequelae sequelae Clinical medicine The consequences of a particular condition or therapeutic intervention (eg, S. aureus sepsis, abscess formation, cellulitis Cellulitis Definition Cellulitis is a spreading bacterial infection just below the skin surface. It is most commonly caused by Streptococcus pyogenes or Staphylococcus aureus. , blepharitis blepharitis /bleph·a·ri·tis/ (blef?ah-ri´tis) inflammation of the eyelids. blepharitis angula´ris inflammation involving the angles of the eyelids. , cheilitis), and hypertrichosis occurred in patients receiving ERBITUX therapy. Acneform rash occurred in 76-88% of 1373 patients receiving ERBIUTX in clinical trials.; Swith severe acneform rash occurred in 1-17% of patients. Acneform rash usually developed within the first two weeks of therapy and resolved in a majority of the patients after cessation of treatment, although in nearly half, the event continued beyond 28 days. Monitor patients receiving ERBITUX for dermatologic toxicities and infectious sequelae. Sun exposure may exacerbate these effects. In women of childbearing potential, appropriate contraceptive measures must be used during treatment with ERBITUX and for 6 months following the last dose of ERBITUX. If ERBITUX is used during pregnancy or if patients become pregnant while receiving ERBITUX, patients should be apprised of the potential risk for loss of pregnancy or potential hazard to the fetus. Hypomagnesemia hypomagnesemia /hy·po·mag·ne·se·mia/ (-mag?nes-em´e-ah) abnormally low magnesium content of the blood. hy·po·mag·ne·se·mi·a n. An abnormally low level of magnesium in the blood. occurred in 55% (199/365) of patients receiving ERBITUX and was severe (NCI See Liberate. CTC grades 3 & 4) in 6-17%. The onset of hypomagnesemia and accompanying electrolyte abnormalities occurred days to months after initiation of ERBITUX. Monitor patients periodically for hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia Hypocalcemia Definition Hypocalcemia, a low bood calcium level, occurs when the concentration of free calcium ions in the blood falls below 4.0 mg/dL (dL = one tenth of a liter). The normal concentration of free calcium ions in the blood serum is 4.0-6. and hypokalemia Hypokalemia Definition Hypokalemia is a condition of below normal levels of potassium in the blood serum. Potassium, a necessary electrolyte, facilitates nerve impulse conduction and the contraction of skeletal and smooth muscles, including the heart. , during and for at least 8 weeks following the completion of ERBITUX. Replete electrolytes as necessary. The most serious adverse reactions associated with ERBITUX in mCRC patients are infusion reactions, dermatologic toxicity, sepsis, renal failure, interstitial lung disease, and pulmonary embolus. The most common adverse reactions in mCRC patients with ERBITUX (incidence [greater than or equal to]25% in the ERBITUX + plus best supportive care arm (BSC (Binary Synchronous Communications) See bisync. )) (n=288) vs. BSC (n=274), respectively, were fatigue (89%, 76%), rash/desquamation (89%, 16%), abdominal pain (59%, 52%), pain-other (51%, 34%), dry skin (49%, 11%), dyspnea (48%, 43%), constipation (46%, 38%), pruritus pruritus /pru·ri·tus/ (proo-ri´tus) itching.prurit´ic pruritus a´ni intense chronic itching in the anal region. pruritus hiema´lis xerotic eczema. (40%, 8%), diarrhea (39%, 20%), vomiting (37%, 29%), infection without neutropenia (35%, 17%), headache (33%, 11%), fever (30%, 18%), insomnia (30%, 15%), cough (29%, 19%), dermatology-other (27%, 6%), and stomatitis Stomatitis Definition Inflammation of the mucous lining of any of the structures in the mouth, which may involve the cheeks, gums, tongue, lips, and roof or floor of the mouth. (25%, 10%). About ImClone Systems ImClone Systems Incorporated is a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company committed to advancing oncology care by developing and commercializing a portfolio of targeted biologic treatments designed to address the medical needs of patients with a variety of cancers. The Company's research and development programs include growth factor blockers and angiogenesis inhibitors. ImClone Systems' headquarters and research operations are located in New York City New York City: see New York, city. New York City City (pop., 2000: 8,008,278), southeastern New York, at the mouth of the Hudson River. The largest city in the U.S. , with additional administration and manufacturing facilities in Branchburg, New Jersey. For more information about ImClone Systems, please visit the Company's web site at http://www.imclone.com. ERBITUX([R]) is a registered trademark of ImClone Systems Incorporated. Certain matters discussed in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA) implemented several significant substantive changes affecting certain cases brought under the federal securities laws, including changes related to pleading, discovery, liability, class representation and awards fees and of 1995 and the Federal securities laws. Although the company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions it can give no assurance that its expectations will be achieved. Forward-looking information is subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Many of these factors are beyond the company's ability to control or predict. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially and could impact the company and the statements contained in this news release can be found in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and annual reports on Form 10-K. For forward-looking statements in this news release, the company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The company assumes no obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. About Bristol-Myers Squibb Bristol-Myers Squibb is dedicated to the discovery, development and exhaustive exploration of innovative cancer fighting therapies that extend and enhance the lives of patients living with cancer. More than 40 years ago, Bristol-Myers Squibb built a unified vision for the future of cancer treatment. With expertise, dedication and resolve, that vision led to the development of a diverse global portfolio of anti-cancer therapies that are an important cornerstone of care today. Hundreds of scientists in Bristol-Myers Squibb's Research & Development organization are studying ways to improve current cancer treatments and identify better, more effective medicines for the future. Bristol-Myers Squibb is a global pharmaceutical and related health care products company whose mission is to extend and enhance human life. This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the commercialization of ERBITUX in Japan. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and involve inherent risks and uncertainties, including factors that could delay, divert or change any of them, and could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from current expectations. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. There can be no guarantee that the application to market ERBITUX in Japan will be approved. Forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect Bristol-Myers Squibb's business, particularly those identified in the cautionary factors discussion in Bristol-Myers Squibb's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our Current Reports on Form 8-K. Bristol-Myers Squibb undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. |
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