Company Watch

Merck's Erbitux gets DCGI approval

Our News Bureau - Mumbai

Merck announced that it has received approval from the DCGI for Erbitux, a new targeted cancer therapy drug. It is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally-advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). The approval comes close on the heels of the launch of Erbitux in India this August, for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). With this approval, Erbitux is now indicated for use in combination with radiation therapy for the treatment of locally or regionally advanced SCCHN.

Head and neck cancer is very common in India because of the widespread habit of chewing tobacco and tobacco-related products. There are estimated 3.5 million cancer patients in India. Approx-imately 8,00,000 new cases are diagnosed every year, of which 2,00,000 are cases of head and neck cancer. It is an extremely challenging cancer type, with five-year survival rates typically low.

"Erbitux takes head and neck cancer treatment an enormous step forward, providing more patients with the potential for a long-term benefit or cure in the management of locally advanced SCCHN especially in India, given the high incidence of head and neck cancer. The approval of Erbitux in India for a second indication (head and neck) is a continuation of our commitment to ongoing research in oncology with the aim of improving the health and quality of life for cancer patients." said Dr Marek Dziki, Managing Director, Merck Specialities.

In March 2006, USFDA approved Erbitux for use in combination with radiotherapy for the treatment of locally or regionally advanced SCCHN, and as a single agent in recurrent or metastatic SCCHN where prior platinum-based chemotherapy has failed.