Merck Serono Japan appoints Hill & Knowlton as AOR

Merck Serono selected H&K following a tender held in April 2010.

The public relations agency will be responsible for the corporate communications of Merck Serono's oncology unit. The agency will focus on building the reputation of the Erbitux oncology drug brand.

Toshihiro Kishi, senior account manager at H&K Japan and the leader for Erbitux, said, "Erbitux was recently approved as treatment for colorectal cancer in Japan and has great potential for growth in the market. We look forward to further educating patients about the disease and the various treatment options that exist here in Japan."

Isao Imai, senior account manager at H&K Japan, will also lead the account.

Merck bought Serono in 2006.