03.10.2007 00:18:00
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Survival Data in FDA Approval for ERBITUX(R) (Cetuximab) Supports Use as a Single Agent in Patients with Advanced Colorectal Cancer
ImClone Systems Incorporated (NASDAQ: IMCL) and Bristol-Myers Squibb
Company (NYSE: BMY) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) has approved an update to the ERBITUX® (Cetuximab) product labeling to include overall survival data as a
single agent in epidermal growth factor inhibitor (EGFR)-expressing
metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients after failure of both
irinotecan- and oxaliplatin-based regimens.
The approval of the supplemental biologics license application (sBLA) is
based on prolonged overall survival from a large, randomized,
multicenter, Phase III trial comparing ERBITUX plus best supportive care
(BSC) to BSC alone in 572 EGFR-expressing mCRC patients after failure of
irinotecan- and oxaliplatin-based regimens. BSC was considered to be all
approved palliative therapies designed to alleviate pain and treat other
effects caused by mCRC in this patient population.
"We are very pleased that the FDA has
recognized these data as the second disease setting where ERBITUX has
improved overall survival – which is the
ultimate goal of all cancer therapies,” said
Eric K. Rowinsky, M.D., Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President
of ImClone Systems. "This approval for ERBITUX
as a monotherapy offers an additional treatment option for an expanded
patient population, specifically, patients who have failed both
irinotecan- and oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy regimens.” "ERBITUX is now the only approved biologic
therapy to demonstrate improved overall survival as a single agent in
patients with metastatic colorectal cancer,”
said Martin Birkhofer, M.D., Vice President, Oncology Global Medical
Affairs, Bristol-Myers Squibb. "We continue
to be encouraged by the benefits of ERBITUX in metastatic colorectal
cancer, and are actively exploring its potential in other tumor types.” About Colorectal Cancer
In the U.S., approximately 154,000 people will be diagnosed with cancer
of the colon or rectum this year. More than half of these patients have
metastatic disease, or cancer that has spread to other organs, at the
time of diagnosis. EGFR is expressed in 60-80 percent of colorectal
cancer tumors. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both
men and women, excluding skin cancer.
About ERBITUX®
(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 and activation of
receptor-associated kinases, resulting in inhibition of cell growth,
induction of apoptosis, and decreased matrix metalloproteinase and
vascular endothelial growth factor production. In vitro, ERBITUX can
mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) 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 mCRC in
patients who are intolerant to irinotecan-based regimens.
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, stridor, hoarseness),
urticaria, 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 with antihistamines. 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 (e.g., epinephrine, corticosteroids, intravenous
antihistamines, bronchodilators, and oxygen). Longer observation
periods may be required in patients who require treatment for infusion
reactions
Severe cases of interstitial lung disease (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 inflammation,
infectious sequelae (eg, S. aureus sepsis, abscess formation,
cellulitis, blepharitis, cheilitis), and hypertrichosis occurred in
patients receiving ERBITUX therapy. Acneform rash occurred in 76-88% of
1373 patients receiving ERBIUTX in clinical trials. 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 occurred in 55% (199/365) of patients receiving ERBITUX
and was severe (NCI 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 and hypokalemia, 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 with ERBITUX (incidence =25%
in the ERBITUX plus best supportive care arm (BSC)) (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 (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 (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, 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® 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 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 designed
to 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 at Bristol-Myers Squibb's Pharmaceutical Research
Institute 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 product development. 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 clinical development of the use of
ERBITUX for the treatment of other tumor types will be successful.
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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