Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and Pierre Fabre Médicament S.A., a privately held pharmaceutical company headquartered in France, announced that they have entered into an agreement to develop and commercialize Javlor (vinflunine), a novel investigational anticancer agent.

Javlor is currently in Phase III clinical trials in Europe for the treatment of bladder and non-small cell lung cancer, and Phase II clinical trials in breast and ovarian cancer. The agreement is subject to clearance under the Hart Scott Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.

"We are particularly satisfied to be partnering Javlor with a premier oncology company like Bristol-Myers Squibb. The collaboration underlines the expertise of our group's research department in the area of oncology, our main research area," said Dr. Jean-Pierre Couzinier, chief operating officer, Pierre Fabre Médicament.

"This agreement is a perfect illustration of our partnership oriented strategy, both in terms of product development and commercialization, in the large territories of North America and Japan," he added.

"Javlor is an important addition to our oncology portfolio that already includes multiple treatments to combat cancer, as well as a promising pipeline," said Peter R. Dolan, chairman and chief executive officer, Bristol- Myers Squibb. "In line with our new corporate strategy to focus on 10 specific disease areas, including oncology, we are committed to both the discovery of new cancer therapies and working with innovative partners to bring new medicines to patients. We look forward to teaming up with a pioneering company such as the Pierre Fabre Group to further the clinical development of this important anti-cancer agent."

Under the terms of the agreement, Bristol-Myers Squibb will receive an exclusive license to Javlor in the United States, Canada, Japan, Korea, and select Southeast Asian markets. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Pierre Fabre Médicament will be responsible for the development and marketing of Javlor in all other countries, including Europe.

Leveraging years of research and novel chemistry, the scientists at the Pierre Fabre Research Center were able to produce a new generation product that exhibits unique pharmacologic properties that both companies believe may provide a safe and effective treatment for people with cancer.