New Global Initiative Aims to Improve Patient Outcomes in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Darmstadt, Germany (ots/PRNewswire) -

- The multidisciplinary Oncology Partnership and Education Network (OPEN)
aims to improve patient outcomes in oncology, with initial focus on metastatic
colorectal cancer (mCRC)
- OPEN aims to raise public awareness and understanding of the importance of
biomarker testing in mCRC

Merck Serono, the biopharmaceutical division of Merck, today
announced the formation of the global Oncology Partnership and
Education Network (OPEN). This global initiative, supported by Merck
Serono, brings together a multidisciplinary group of stakeholders
involved with the management of cancer to help improve patient care.
Focusing on metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) as its first
priority, OPEN aims to reinforce the important role biomarker testing
has in personalizing care in mCRC. The launch of OPEN coincides with
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in many countries.

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:

http://www.multivu.com/mnr/7140053-merck-serono-metastatic-colorec
tal-cancer

Based on recent scientific developments in the area of biomarkers
in mCRC, OPEN's first priority will be to establish a global campaign
to improve awareness and understanding with the general public,
patients and healthcare professionals. OPEN, chaired by Professor
Ciardiello, is supported by an international steering committee of
experts in the field of oncology, including healthcare professionals,
patient advocacy groups and policy representatives.

"Biomarkers enable oncologists to create personalized, clinically
proven treatment plans for patients right from the start in mCRC,
thereby optimizing patients' chances of extended overall survival,"
said Professor Fortunato Ciardiello, Seconda Università di Napoli,
Naples, Italy and Chair of the OPEN Steering Committee. "OPEN aims to
increase public awareness of the fact that getting a biomarker test
done, ideally at the time of initial diagnosis, is vital for patients
with metastatic colorectal cancer to ensure they receive the most
appropriate 1st-line treatment," he concluded.

Currently, 25% of patients with colorectal cancer already have an
advanced stage of the disease at diagnosis, which makes it
challenging to treat successfully.[1],[2] Recent developments in the
field of biomarkers now allow physicians to identify those patients
who are most likely to benefit from specific treatment options, based
on the genetic profile of their tumor.

"Biomarkers are reliable clinical indicators that support
physicians in their treatment decisions for patients with metastatic
colorectal cancer," said Dr Steven Hildemann, Global Chief Medical
Officer and Head of Global Medical and Safety for Merck Serono.
"Merck Serono is proud to be able to support OPEN in its mission to
raise awareness globally of the important role biomarkers play in
improving clinical outcomes for people living with mCRC."

An increased understanding of treatment options and greater
involvement in decision making about their own care, together with
equality of access to treatments that improve outcomes, are also core
principles of the recently launched European Cancer Patient's Bill of
Rights.

About Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer
worldwide, with an estimated incidence of more than 1.36 million new
cases annually.[3] Approximately 694,000 deaths from CRC occur every
year, accounting for 8.5% of all cancer deaths and making it the
fourth most common cause of death from cancer.[3] Almost 55% of CRC
cases are diagnosed in developed regions of the world, and incidence
and mortality rates are substantially higher in men than in women.[3]

Note to Editors:

Please click here
[http://www.merckgroup.com/en/media/topics/open.html ] to view the
multimedia release which includes mCRC biomarker videos and
additional information.

Additional information resources for media on mCRC are available
online from: http://www.globalcancernews.com

References

1) Sanoff HK, et al. J Clin Oncol 2008;26(35):5721-7.
2) Van Cutsem E, et al. Ann Oncol 2010;21(Suppl 5):v93-7.
3) Ferlay J, Soerjomataram I, Ervik M, Dikshit R, Eser S, Mathers C, Rebelo M,
Parkin DM, Forman D, Bray, F. GLOBOCAN 2012 v1.0, Cancer Incidence and Mortality
Worldwide: IARC CancerBase No. 11 [Internet]. Lyon, France: International Agency for
Research on Cancer; 2013. Available at: http://globocan.iarc.fr. Last accessed
March 2014.

About Merck Serono

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.

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.

For more information, please visit http://www.merckserono.com.

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Merck is a leading company for innovative and top-quality
high-tech products in the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors. With
its four divisions Merck Serono, Consumer Health, Performance
Materials and Merck Millipore, Merck generated total revenues of EUR
11.1 billion in 2013. Around 38,000 Merck employees work in 66
countries to improve the quality of life for patients, to further the
success of our customers and to help meet global challenges.

Merck is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company -
since 1668, the company has stood for innovation, business success
and responsible entrepreneurship. Holding an approximately 70%
interest, the founding family remains the majority owner of the
company to this day.

Merck, Darmstadt, Germany is holding the global rights to the
Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are Canada and the United
States, where the company is known as EMD.

Contact:
Merck KGaA
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Hotline +49(0)6151-72-5000
http://www.merckgroup.com

Merck Serono is a division of Merck
http://www.merckserono.com
Raphaela Farrenkopf
Phone +49-6151-72-2274

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