Data presented at a weekend conference could increase sales of ImClone System’s Erbitux by allowing it to be used as an initial treatment for some lung and colorectal cancers.

The drug maker AstraZeneca, the Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and Bayer reported declines in first-quarter profit on generic competition and costs from cutting jobs.

A former Bristol-Myers Squibb executive was charged with making false statements to the F.T.C. about a pact made with a Canadian maker of generic drugs.