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news.Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) and Merck have agreed to end co-promotion of Erbitux (cetuximab) in Japan, as well as transfer full promotional responsibilities of the product to Merck as of 01 May 2015.
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Erbitux is a highly active IgG1 monoclonal antibody that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).
Merck has already positioned Japan as its regional Research and Development hub for North East Asia and the transfer of promotional responsibilities further increases its presence in this market.
Merck member of the Executive Board and CEO Healthcare Belén Garijo said: "Expanding our oncology presence in Japan is of strategic importance to achieve our long term ambition to become a leading global player in oncology and immunooncology."
In September 2008, Erbitux was launched in collaboration with BMS to treat metastatic colorectal cancer, followed by an additional indication to treat head and neck cancer, approved in December 2012.
Merck Serono head of Global Commercial Elcin Ergun said: "With this agreement, Japan will increasingly become a key focus country for us as it complements our Asia-centric Research and Development strategies.
"As a result, we plan to work diligently to develop therapies that best suit the unmet need, and the epidemiological profiles of Asian patient populations."
Erbitux has already secured market authorization in over 90 countries across the world to treat colorectal cancer as well as squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).