Impath Inc announced an agreement with Bristol-Myers Squibb Company under which Impath Predictive Oncology will provide central laboratory testing and services in support of clinical trials for Erbitux (cetuximab). Cetuximab is a novel monoclonal antibody that exclusively targets the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), which is expressed on the surface of many solid tumors. Bristol-Myers Squibb and ImClone Systems Incorporated are studying cetuximab in a series of Phase II and Phase III clinical trials in multiple tumor types. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"This relationship enables us to offer our cancer expertise in support of the joint efforts of Bristol-Myers Squibb and ImClone Systems in bringing cetuximab to market," said Anu D. Saad, Chairman and CEO of Impath. "In this relatively new area of diagnostics linked to targeted therapies, selecting the right population of patients is a critical component of a potentially successful clinical trial. Our patient-specific approach to the management of cancer treatment makes us an ideal partner to serve as a central screening facility for the cetuximab trials. We are delighted to have been selected by Bristol-Myers Squibb for this critical work."