Partners unveil Erbitux deal for Japan

ImClone (IMCL), Bristol-Myers (BMY) and Merck KGaA (FSE:MRK) agreed to co-develop and co-commercialize Erbitux cetuximab in Japan. The chimeric MAb against the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor is under review in the country to treat metastatic colorectal cancer both as monotherapy and in combination with irinotecan-based chemotherapy. The companies will jointly market Erbitux and share development, sales and marketing expenses. MRK is eligible for 50% of the profit from sales in Japan, and IMCL and BMY are each eligible for 25%. IMCL is eligible for a royalty from MRK equal to 4.75% of total net sales in Japan. ...