NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 10, 2007--ImClone Systems
Incorporated (NASDAQ: IMCL) today announced that it has signed
settlement and sublicensing agreements with the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology (MIT) and Repligen Corporation to end
litigation related to U.S. Patent No. 4,663,281, which is owned by MIT
and exclusively licensed to Repligen. All terms of the agreements have
been finalized and the parties will submit a stipulation of dismissal
to the court. This settlement eliminates the need for the trial
proceedings previously scheduled to begin today, as well as any
further court proceedings or decisions relating to damages sought from
ImClone by MIT and Repligen with respect to U.S. Patent No. 4,663,281.
Pursuant to the terms of the settlement, ImClone will pay a total
of $65.0 million in cash for full and final settlement of the claims
against ImClone in the matter, as well as for a royalty-free,
irrevocable worldwide sublicense to technology patented under U.S.
Patent No. 4,663,281. The $65.0 million lump-sum payment ImClone has
made to Repligen represents the full amount ImClone will pay to settle
its litigation with MIT and Repligen. Repligen is responsible for
providing MIT with its portion of the settlement payment.
Importantly, pursuant to the terms of the settlement, Repligen
also granted to ImClone a royalty-free, irrevocable worldwide
sublicense for the future use of other patented technology, including
U.S. Patent No. 5,665,578, which is owned by Abbott Laboratories, but
to which Repligen has the power to sublicense under an agreement
between Abbott Laboratories and Repligen. U.S. Patent No. 5,665,578 is
the patent upon which Abbott Laboratories sued ImClone for patent
infringement earlier this year.
ImClone's payment of $65.0 million to Repligen will be reflected
in ImClone's third quarter 2007 financial results.
"ImClone is very pleased to have reached this settlement with
Repligen and MIT," said John H. Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of
ImClone. "We are happy to put this litigation behind us and move
forward in our efforts to continue to grow worldwide sales of
ERBITUX(R)."
About ERBITUX(R) (Cetuximab)
ERBITUX is a monoclonal antibody (IgG1 Mab) designed to inhibit
the function of a molecular structure expressed on the surface of
normal and tumor cells called the epidermal growth factor receptor
(EGFR, HER1, c-ErbB-1). In vitro assays and in vivo animal studies
have shown that binding of ERBITUX to the EGFR blocks phosphorylation
and activation of receptor-associated kinases, resulting in inhibition
of cell growth, induction of apoptosis, and decreased matrix
metalloproteinase and vascular endothelial growth factor production.
In vitro, ERBITUX can mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity
(ADCC) against certain human tumor types. While the mechanism of
ERBITUX's anti-tumor effect(s) in vivo is unknown, all of these
processes may contribute to the overall therapeutic effect of ERBITUX.
EGFR is part of a signaling pathway that is linked to the growth and
development of many human cancers, including those of the head and
neck, colon and rectum.
ERBITUX (Cetuximab), in combination with radiation therapy, is
indicated for the treatment of locally or regionally advanced squamous
cell carcinoma of the head and neck. ERBITUX as a single agent is
indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic
squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck for whom prior
platinum-based therapy has failed.
ERBITUX is indicated for the treatment of EGFR-expressing,
metastatic colorectal carcinoma (mCRC) in combination with irinotecan
for patients who are refractory to irinotecan-based chemotherapy, and
as a single agent for patients who are intolerant to irinotecan-based
therapy. The effectiveness of ERBITUX for the treatment of
EGFR-expressing mCRC cancer is based on objective response rates.
For full prescribing information, including boxed WARNINGS
regarding infusion reactions and cardiopulmonary arrest, visit
http://www.ERBITUX.com.
Important Safety Information
Grade 3/4 infusion reactions, rarely with fatal outcome (less than
1 in 1000), occurred in approximately 3% (46/1485) of patients
receiving ERBITUX (Cetuximab) therapy. These reactions are
characterized by rapid onset of airway obstruction (bronchospasm,
stridor, hoarseness), urticaria, hypotension, loss of consciousness,
and/or cardiac arrest. Severe infusion reactions require immediate and
permanent discontinuation of ERBITUX therapy.
Most reactions (90%) were associated with the first infusion of
ERBITUX despite the use of prophylactic antihistamines. Caution must
be exercised with every ERBITUX infusion as there were patients who
experienced their first severe infusion reaction during later
infusions. A 1-hour observation period is recommended following the
ERBITUX infusion. Longer observation periods may be required in
patients who experience infusion reactions.
Cardiopulmonary arrest and/or sudden death occurred in 2% (4/208)
of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck treated
with radiation therapy and ERBITUX as compared to none of 212 patients
treated with radiation therapy alone. Fatal events occurred within 1
to 43 days after the last ERBITUX treatment. ERBITUX in combination
with radiation therapy should be used with caution in patients with
known coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure and
arrhythmias. Close monitoring of serum electrolytes, including serum
magnesium, potassium, and calcium during and after ERBITUX therapy is
recommended.
Severe cases of interstitial lung disease (ILD), which was fatal
in one case, occurred in less than 0.5% of 774 patients with advanced
colorectal cancer (mCRC) receiving ERBITUX. There was one case of ILD
reported in 796 patients with head and neck cancer receiving ERBITUX
in clinical studies.
In clinical studies of ERBITUX, dermatologic toxicities, including
acneform rash, skin drying and fissuring, inflammatory and infectious
sequelae (eg, blepharitis, cheilitis, cellulitis, cyst), and
hypertrichosis were reported. In 208 patients receiving ERBITUX + RT,
acneform rash was reported in 87% (17% severe) as compared to 10% in
212 patients treated with radiation therapy alone (1% severe). In
patients receiving ERBITUX alone, 76% (N=103) experienced acneform
rash (1% severe). In patients with mCRC, acneform rash was reported in
89% (686/774) of all treated patients, and was severe in 11% (84/774).
Subsequent to the development of severe dermatologic toxicities,
complications including S. aureus sepsis and abscesses requiring
incision and drainage were reported. Sun exposure may exacerbate these
effects. A related nail disorder, occurring in 12% (0.4% Grade 3) of
patients, was characterized as a paronychial inflammation.
The safety of ERBITUX in combination with radiation therapy and
cisplatin has not been established. Death and serious cardiotoxicity
were observed in a single-am trial with ERBITUX, delayed, accelerated
(concomitant boost) fractionation radiation therapy, and cisplatin
(100 mg/m2) conducted in patients with locally advanced squamous cell
carcinoma of the head and neck. Two of 21 patients died, one as a
result of pneumonia and one of an unknown cause. Four patients
discontinued treatment due to adverse events. Two of these
discontinuations were due to cardiac events (myocardial infarction in
one patient and arrhythmia, diminished cardiac output, and hypotension
in the other patient).
The incidence of hypomagnesemia (both overall and severe (NCI CTC
Grades 3 & 4)) was increased in patients receiving ERBITUX alone or in
combination with chemotherapy as compared to those receiving best
supportive care or chemotherapy alone based on ongoing, controlled
clinical trials in 244 patients. Approximately one-half of these
patients receiving ERBITUX experienced hypomagnesemia and 10-15%
experienced severe hypomagnesemia. Electrolyte repletion was necessary
in some patients and in severe cases, intravenous replacement was
required. Patients receiving ERBITUX therapy should be periodically
monitored for hypomagnesemia, and accompanying hypocalcemia and
hypokalemia during, and up to 8 weeks following the completion of,
ERBITUX therapy.
The most serious adverse reactions associated with ERBITUX in
combination with radiation therapy in 208 patients with head and neck
cancer were infusion reaction (3%), cardiopulmonary arrest (2%),
dermatologic toxicity (2.5%), mucositis (6%), radiation dermatitis
(3%), confusion (2%), and diarrhea (2%).
The most serious adverse reactions associated with ERBITUX in mCRC
clinical trials (N=774) were infusion reaction (3%), dermatologic
toxicity (1%), interstitial lung disease (0.4%), fever (5%), sepsis
(3%), kidney failure (2%), pulmonary embolus (1%), dehydration (5% in
patients receiving ERBITUX with irinotecan, 2% in patients receiving
ERBITUX as a single agent) and diarrhea (6% in patients receiving
ERBITUX with irinotecan, 0.2% in patients receiving ERBITUX as a
single agent).
The overall incidence of late radiation toxicities (any grade) was
higher with ERBITUX in combination with radiation therapy compared
with radiation therapy alone. The following sites were affected:
salivary glands (65%/56%), larynx (52%/36%), subcutaneous tissue
(49%/45%), mucous membranes (48%/39%), esophagus (44%/35%), skin
(42%/33%), brain (11%/9%), lung (11%/8%), spinal cord (4%/3%), and
bone (4%/5%) in the ERBITUX and radiation versus radiation alone arms,
respectively.
The incidence of Grade 3 or 4 late radiation toxicities were
generally similar between the radiation therapy alone and the ERBITUX
plus radiation therapy arms.
The most common adverse events seen in patients with carcinomas of
the head and neck receiving ERBITUX in combination with radiation
therapy (n=208) versus radiation alone (n=212) were
mucositis-stomatitis (93%/94%), acneform rash (87%/10%), radiation
dermatitis (86%/90%), weight loss (84%/72%), xerostomia (72%/71%),
dysphagia (65%/63%), asthenia (56%/49%), nausea (49%/37%),
constipation (35%/30%) and vomiting (29%/23%). The most common adverse
events seen in patients with carcinomas of the head and neck receiving
ERBITUX as a single agent (N=103) were acneform rash (76%), asthenia
(45%), pain (28%), fever (27%) and weight loss (27%).
The most common adverse events seen in patients with mCRC
receiving ERBITUX with irinotecan (n=354) or ERBITUX as a single agent
(n=420) were acneform rash (88%/90%), asthenia/malaise (73%/48%),
diarrhea (72%/25%), nausea (55%/29%), abdominal pain (45%/26%),
vomiting (41%/25%), fever (34%/27%), constipation (30%/26%), and
headache (14%/26%).
About ImClone Systems
ImClone Systems Incorporated is a fully integrated
biopharmaceutical company committed to advancing oncology care by
developing and commercializing a portfolio of targeted biologic
treatments designed to address the medical needs of patients with a
variety of cancers. The Company's research and development programs
include growth factor blockers and angiogenesis inhibitors. ImClone
Systems' headquarters and research operations are located in New York
City, with additional administration and manufacturing facilities in
Branchburg, New Jersey. For more information about ImClone Systems,
please visit the Company's web site at http://www.imclone.com.
Certain matters discussed in this news release may constitute
forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the Federal securities
laws. Although the company believes that the expectations reflected in
such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions,
it can give no assurance that its expectations will be achieved.
Forward-looking information is subject to certain risks, trends and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially
from those projected. Many of these factors are beyond the company's
ability to control or predict. Important factors that may cause actual
results to differ materially and could impact the company and the
statements contained in this news release can be found in the
company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
including quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K
and annual reports on Form 10-K. For forward-looking statements in
this news release, the company claims the protection of the safe
harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The company assumes no
obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
CONTACT:
ImClone Systems Incorporated
Corporate Communications
Rebecca Gregory
646-638-5058
MEDIA@IMCLONE.COM
or
Tracy Henrikson
908-243-9945
SOURCE:
ImClone Systems Incorporated