Merck Serono To Reconsider Development Of Matuzumab In Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients

Main Category: Colorectal Cancer
Also Included In: Clinical Trials / Drug Trials
Article Date: 31 Aug 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA, announced that a phase II trial investigating the humanized monoclonal antibody matuzumab in combination with irinotecan in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who had already failed on multiple prior treatments, including irinotecan, has not met its predefined endpoint of activity. Merck Serono is therefore reconsidering further development of matuzumab in mCRC at this stage.

Matuzumab is currently being co-developed and co-commercialized via a partnership between Merck Serono and Takeda. Both companies share the view that the study results in mCRC do not meet expectations. The companies are however, continuing to study the drug in other tumors including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

More than 370,000 people develop colorectal cancer in Europe every year, accounting for 13% of the total cancer burden and around 200,000 deaths.1 Approximately 25% of patients present with metastatic disease.2 Five-year survival rates for patients with mCRC are as low as 5%.3

References:

1. Parkin DM et al. CA Cancer J Clin 2005; 55: 72-108
2. GLOBOCAN. http://www-dep.iarc.fr/
3. Argiris A et al. Cancer 2004; 101: 2222-2229

About 'Merck Serono'

Merck Serono, the new division for innovative small molecules and biopharmaceuticals of Merck was established following the acquisition of Serono and the integration of its business with the former Merck Ethicals Division. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, Merck Serono discovers, develops, produces and commercializes innovative products to help patients with diseases with unmet needs. Our North American business operates in the United States and Canada under EMD Serono.

Merck Serono has leading brands serving patients with cancer (Erbitux®), multiple sclerosis (Rebif®), infertility (Gonal-f®), metabolic and cardiometabolic disorders (Glucophage®, Concor®, Saizen®, Serostim®), as well as psoriasis (Raptiva®). With an annual R&D investment of € 1bn, we are committed to growing our business in specialist-focused therapeutic areas, such as Neurology and Oncology, as well as new therapeutic areas potentially arising out of our research and development in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

For more information, please visit http://www.merckserono.net or http://www.merck.de

About Merck KgaA

All Merck Press Releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Website. Please go to http://www.subscribe.merck.de to register online, change your selection or discontinue this service.

Merck is a global pharmaceutical and chemical company with sales of EUR 6.3 billion in 2006, a history that began in 1668, and a future shaped by 35,214 employees in 63 countries. Its success is characterized by innovations from entrepreneurial employees. Merck's operating activities come under the umbrella of Merck KGaA, in which the Merck family holds an approximately 70% interest and free shareholders own the remaining approximately 30%. In 1917 the U.S. subsidiary Merck & Co. was expropriated and has been an independent company ever since.

http://www.merck.de