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			var content_array=["<p><strong>About the OPUS Study<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p>OPUS is a randomized, controlled, Phase II trial, involving 337 mCRC patients, 179 with KRAS wild-type (exon 2) tumors, demonstrating the efficacy of Erbitux plus FOLFOX-4 (oxaliplatin-based therapy) versus FOLFOX-4 alone.[2] Results of a RAS tumor status analysis will be presented at Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium (ASCO GI) in January 2014, in San Francisco, California, U.S..<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>About Colorectal Cancer<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p>Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cancer worldwide, with an estimated incidence of more than 1.2 million cases globally.[3] An estimated 608,000 deaths from CRC occur worldwide each year, accounting for 8% of all cancer deaths and making it the fourth most common cause of death from cancer.[3] Almost 60% of the cases occur in developed regions, and incidence and mortality rates are substantially higher in men than in women.[3] In Europe alone, an estimated 436,000 people develop CRC every year, with approximately 212,000 people dying from the disease annually.[4]<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>References<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p><strong>1.<\/strong> Tejpar S, et al. Accepted at 2014 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium, January 16-18, 2014. <br \/> <strong>2.<\/strong> Bokemeyer C, et al. Ann Oncol 2011;22(7):1535-46. <br \/> <strong>3.<\/strong> Ferlay J, et al. Int J Cancer 2010;127(12):2893-917. <br \/> <strong>4.<\/strong> Ferlay J, et al. Eu J Cancer 2010;46(4):765-81.<\/p>\r\n<p>For more information on Erbitux in colorectal and head &amp; neck cancer, please visit <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"http:\/\/www.globalcancernews.com\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/www.globalcancernews.com<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>About Erbitux<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p>Erbitux&reg; is a first-in-class and highly active IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). As a monoclonal antibody, the mode of action of Erbitux is distinct from standard non-selective chemotherapy treatments in that it specifically targets and binds to the EGFR. This binding inhibits the activation of the receptor and the subsequent signal-transduction pathway, which results in reducing both the invasion of normal tissues by tumor cells and the spread of tumors to new sites. It is also believed to inhibit the ability of tumor cells to repair the damage caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy and to inhibit the formation of new blood vessels inside tumors, which appears to lead to an overall suppression of tumor growth.<\/p>\r\n<p>The most commonly reported side effect with Erbitux is an acne-like skin rash that seems to be correlated with a good response to therapy. In approximately 5% of patients, hypersensitivity reactions may occur during treatment with Erbitux; about half of these reactions are severe.<\/p>\r\n<p>Erbitux has already obtained market authorization in over 90 countries for the treatment of colorectal cancer and for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).<\/p>\r\n<p>Merck licensed the right to market Erbitux outside the U.S. and Canada from ImClone LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, in 1998. In Japan, ImClone, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and Merck jointly develop and commercialize Erbitux. Merck has an ongoing commitment to the advancement of oncology treatment and is currently investigating novel therapies in highly targeted areas.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>About Merck Serono<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p>Merck Serono is the biopharmaceutical division of Merck. With headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany, Merck Serono offers leading brands in 150 countries to help patients with cancer, multiple sclerosis, infertility, endocrine and metabolic disorders as well as cardiovascular diseases. In the United States and Canada, EMD Serono operates as a separately incorporated subsidiary of Merck Serono.<\/p>\r\n<p>Merck Serono discovers, develops, manufactures and markets prescription medicines of both chemical and biological origin in specialist indications. We have an enduring commitment to deliver novel therapies in our core focus areas of neurology, oncology, immuno-oncology and immunology.<\/p>\r\n<p>For more information, please visit <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"http:\/\/www.merckserono.com\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/www.merckserono.com<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>All Merck Press Releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Website. Please go to <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"http:\/\/www.merckgroup.com\/subscribe\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/www.merckgroup.com\/subscribe<\/a> to register online, change your selection or discontinue this service.<\/p>\r\n<p>Merck is a leading pharmaceutical, chemical and life science company with total revenues of EUR 11.2 billion in 2012, a history that began in 1668, and a future shaped by approx. 38,000 employees in 66 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 &amp; Co. was expropriated and has been an independent company ever since.<\/p>\r\n<p>Contact:<\/p>\r\n<p>Paul Olaniran<br \/> Phone +49(0)6151-72-2274<\/p>"];
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