ImClone Systems Inc. and Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. said on Tuesday they plan by the second quarter of 2005 to ask U.S. regulators to approve use of their Erbitux colon cancer drug as a treatment for head and neck cancer.

The U.S. drugmakers, which split profits from the injectable drug, said they would ask the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to approve its use in combination with radiation against head and neck cancer.

ImClone and Bristol-Myers said they have already discussed their plans with the FDA and are hopeful the agency will decide on their application on a priority basis, meaning within six months rather than the agency’s typical year-long review period.

The FDA in February approved Erbitux for use against colon cancer following a controversial insider share-trading scandal that landed former ImClone Chief Executive Sam Waksal in prison.

Researchers in June released clinical data showing that Erbitux controlled head and neck cancer better than radiation alone and helped some patients live longer.

Copyright © 2004 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable