Erbitux cetuximab regulatory update

EMEA's CHMP confirmed a previous negative opinion against extending the indication for Merck KGaA's Erbitux cetuximab to include first-line treatment of patients with EGFR-expressing, advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy. The agency previously said the survival benefits of adding Erbitux to standard platinum-based chemotherapy were "modest" and Erbitux did not have a "convincing effect" on progression-free survival (see BioCentury, October 5). Merck said it may appeal the decision. ...