ImClone Systems Inc. has launched its ERBITUX® (cetuximab) in Canadian market in collaboration with Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada. The product will be commercially available for use in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. It has Health Canada’s approval for use in conjunction with irinotecan in the treatment of cancer patients who are intolerant to irinotecan-based chemotherapy alone. The trial supporting this approval was conducted by Merck, Germany, ImClone’s partner for ERBITUX outside North America.

Revlimid (lenalidomide), a new medication that has the potential (in combination with dexamethasone) to extend longevity and slowing down the progression of multiple myeloma, has been approved by Health Canada for patients who have undergone at least one treatment.. This makes the drug one of the few once-daily oral therapies that are available for treating this form of blood cancer effectively. The approval was given on the basis of the results of clinical trials that were published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Revlimid is available in capsules of 15 mg and 25 mg.

VELCADE (bortezomib) has received Health Canada approval for treatment of multiple myeloma, a fatal form of blood cancer. As part of combination therapy, VELCADE has been indicated for the treatment of patients who are suffering from previously untreated multiple myeloma and are unsuitable for stem cell transplantation. Following this approval, patients with multiple myeloma can now receive VELCADE earlier that may prove helpful in slowing the progression of the disease. Multiple myeloma is an aggressive disease that advances very swiftly, with the patient’s condition worsening exponentially.