Bristol-Myers Squibb gives full responsibility for Erbitux in Japan to Merck

German pharmaceuticals and chemicals major Merck KGaA (MRK: DE) is to end the co-promotion of Erbitux (cetuximab) in Japan with US pharma major Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY).

The responsibility for the promotion of Erbitux will be transferred to Merck in Japan as of May 1, 2015, giving it greater presence in the region, and the company has already positioned Japan as its regional research and development hub for North East Asia.

Belen Garijo, chief executive of health care at Merck, said: "Expanding our oncology presence in Japan is of strategic importance to achieve our long term ambition to become a leading global player in oncology and immuno-oncology.”