FDA approves Lilly, BMS drug for KRAS wild-type colorectal cancer

NEW YORK — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug made by Eli Lilly and Bristol-Myers Squibb for treating a form of colorectal cancer, the two companies said.



Lilly and Bristol announced the approval of Erbitux (cetuximab) for treating colorectal cancer that is KRAS mutation-negative, expresses the epidermal growth factor receptor and has spread to other parts of the body, also known as metastasis. The drug is approved for use alongside a chemotherapy combination containing irinotecan, 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin, also known as FOLFIRI.



"Cancer is a heterogeneous disease, and we have learned that not all patients with mCRC should be viewed as the same," Bristol-Myers Squibb SVP global development and medical affairs Brian Daniels said. "Today's approval demonstrates our ability to bring diverse cancer therapies to market that address the needs of patients with KRAS mutation-negative mCRC."



The drug already is approved for treating head and neck cancer.

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