Erbitux (Cetuximab) 100mg/500mg Injection | EGFR Inhibitor | GLT

Generic Information: Erbitux (Cetuximab) — German Originator

Cetuximab is the active ingredient of Erbitux, the originator chimeric IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), developed by Merck KGaA of Germany. This page covers the imported originator presentation supplied in three vial strengths — 100 mg/20 mL, 100 mg/50 mL, and 500 mg/100 mL — all registered in China under the import approval number Guoyao Zhunzi SJ20171039. Erbitux is sold in China under the Chinese brand name 爱必妥 and is manufactured by Merck KGaA with the marketing authorization holder Merck Europe B.V. As the first EGFR monoclonal antibody to reach the Chinese market, it remains the reference standard against which every domestic cetuximab product is benchmarked.

What Is Erbitux (Cetuximab) Used For?

Erbitux is approved for two principal indications. The first is RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), where it is used in combination with FOLFOX or FOLFIRI as first-line therapy, or with irinotecan for patients who have failed irinotecan-based treatment. The second is squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), where it is used with platinum-based chemotherapy plus fluorouracil for recurrent or metastatic disease, or with radiotherapy for locally advanced disease. Because the drug only benefits patients whose tumors carry wild-type RAS, a confirmatory genetic test is required before starting treatment.

How Does Erbitux (Cetuximab) Work?

Cetuximab binds specifically to the extracellular domain of EGFR on the surface of tumor cells, blocking the binding of natural ligands such as EGF and TGF-α. This prevents receptor dimerization and the downstream signaling that drives cell proliferation, survival, invasion, and angiogenesis. As a chimeric IgG1 antibody, cetuximab can also recruit immune effector cells through antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), adding an immune-mediated component to its direct receptor blockade. Tumors with activating RAS mutations bypass EGFR blockade, which is why patient selection by RAS status is essential.

Indications

Erbitux is indicated for: (1) RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer, in combination with FOLFOX or FOLFIRI as first-line treatment, or with irinotecan after failure of irinotecan-based therapy; (2) recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy and fluorouracil as first-line treatment; and (3) locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, in combination with radiotherapy.

Dosage

Erbitux is given by intravenous infusion on a weekly or every-two-week schedule. The weekly regimen uses an initial dose of 400 mg/m² infused over 120 minutes, followed by weekly doses of 250 mg/m² over 60 minutes. The every-two-week regimen uses 500 mg/m² infused over 120 minutes. Premedication with an H1 antihistamine and a corticosteroid is given before the first infusion, and patients are monitored for at least one hour afterward. The three stocked vial sizes allow institutions to prepare the full range of prescribed doses.

Side Effects

The most common adverse reaction is an acneiform skin rash, which often correlates with treatment response. Other common effects include infusion reactions, hypomagnesemia, diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, and skin dryness or paronychia. Erbitux carries a boxed warning for severe, sometimes fatal infusion reactions and cardiopulmonary arrest. Serum electrolytes, including magnesium, potassium, and calcium, should be monitored during and after treatment, and patients should report any breathing difficulty or rapid-onset skin changes promptly.

Storage

Store Erbitux vials refrigerated at 2–8°C in the original carton, protected from light. Do not freeze or shake. Once opened, the solution should be used promptly and any unused portion discarded according to institutional policy.

Why Choose the GLT?

The imported Erbitux sold in China is priced far below the United States list price for the same Merck KGaA molecule. In the United States, a single 100 mg Erbitux vial carries a wholesale cost several times higher than the reimbursed China price, and a 500 mg vial is even more expensive. Sourcing the imported, China-registered Erbitux through a Hong Kong-licensed supplier such as GLT therefore offers institutions and patients access to the authentic German originator at a substantially lower cost than Western markets. GLT provides batch documentation and confirms availability and shipping terms before any order is finalized.

How to Order Erbitux (Cetuximab)

To order Erbitux, contact our team on WhatsApp at +86 15234153837 or by email at [email protected]. Please share the required vial strength (100 mg/20 mL, 100 mg/50 mL, or 500 mg/100 mL), quantity, and destination country so we can confirm current availability, documentation, and delivery terms.

FAQ

Is Erbitux the same as cetuximab? Yes. Erbitux is the originator brand of cetuximab, a chimeric IgG1 anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody developed by Merck KGaA.

Why is RAS testing required before using Erbitux? Cetuximab only works in tumors with wild-type RAS; patients with RAS mutations do not benefit, so a genetic test is mandatory before treatment.

What is the difference between Erbitux and domestic cetuximab? Erbitux is the imported German originator, while domestic products are modified biologics or biosimilars developed in China; all target EGFR but differ in manufacturing process and glycan profile.

Can Erbitux be used for both colorectal and head and neck cancer? Yes. Erbitux is approved for RAS wild-type mCRC and for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.