"Patient safety is paramount.  While stopping enrollment in one of the two Phase III trials is disappointing, the SQUIRE Phase III study of necitumumab in lung cancer continues," said Richard Gaynor, M.D., vice president, oncology product development and medical affairs for Lilly.  "Lilly remains committed to developing new medicines that can help treat this devastating disease."

Lilly has contacted all trial investigators to provide detailed information on how to manage individuals enrolled in the trial, and has notified all pertinent regulatory agencies of this decision.

Necitumumab is being developed in a partnership between Lilly and Bristol-Myers Squibb.  The two companies share development costs and any potential commercialization within the U.S., Canada and Japan, while Lilly has exclusive commercialization rights in all other countries.

SOURCE Eli Lilly and Company