ROCKVILLE, Md., June 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EntreMed, Inc. , a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases today announced the presentation of preclinical data for its lead compound, 2- methoxyestradiol (2ME2), in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Data were presented earlier today by EntreMed collaborator, Dr. Ernest Brahn, Professor of Medicine and Rheumatology Program Director, Division of Rheumatology, University of California Los Angeles, School of Medicine during an oral presentation at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology EULAR 2006 being held this week in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Results from studies in a preclinical arthritis model of chronic autoimmune inflammatory joint disease demonstrated that daily oral administration of 2ME2 resulted in a statistically significant reduction in clinical severity of joint inflammation and inhibition of articular joint damage as determined by blinded high resolution radiographs of bone erosions. The inhibition of disease progression by 2ME2 treatment was based on histological analyses of tissue parameters that included inhibition of (a) white blood cell infiltration; (b) pannus (destruction joint tissue) severity; and (c) cartilage breakdown.
One of the mechanisms by which 2ME2 exerts DMARD activity in the preclinical arthritis model involves the inhibition of angiogenesis, which is necessary to support the growth of the pannus. Further tissue analyses on the articular joints from 2ME2-treated models demonstrated decreased von Willebrand factor expression indicating a loss or inhibition of vascularity. In addition, RT-PCR on dissected synovial tissue showed suppression in the gene expression of the angiogenic growth factors, VEGF and FGF-2. These data further support the potential for 2ME2 as a disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD).
Dr. Brahn commented on the results of the study, "These preclinical data further define the impact of 2ME2 on inflammation and disease progression and indicate that 2ME2 may represent a novel agent for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The demonstration that 2ME2 inhibits angiogenesis in this model of rheumatoid arthritis now establishes a mechanistic link that leads to the involution of collagen-induced arthritis."
EntreMed Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Carolyn F. Sidor, M.D., M.B.A, commented on the study results, "We continue to generate positive preclinical data demonstrating the effect of 2ME2 on inflammation and disease progression in well-accepted preclinical models of rheumatoid arthritis. Angiogenesis is a needed component of pannus growth in rheumatoid arthritis, and 2ME2, which has antiangiogenic properties, may represent a novel oral, non-immunologic DMARD approach to treating this disease. We will continue to explore 2ME2's DMARD activity in preclinical rheumatoid arthritis models with the intent of supporting clinical development in RA in addition to our Phase 2 oncology program."
About Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis affects over 2 million American adults, of which about two-thirds of them are women. The disease, characterized by pain, stiffness, swelling, and deformity can become debilitating. Within 5 years of diagnosis, a third of patients are no longer working, and within 10 years, half of the patients have substantial functional disability. RA can shorten life expectancy by 5-10 years.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), one of the most common forms of arthritis, is a systemic disease characterized by inflammation of the membrane lining of the joint, which causes pain, stiffness, redness, swelling, and loss of function in the joint. The inflamed joint lining, called the synovium, releases enzymes that destroy bone and cartilage, causing the joint to lose its shape and alignment. This process can result in joint pain, loss of movement, and deformity. DMARDs are drugs that have the ability to slow down disease progression in rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.
About EntreMed
EntreMed, Inc. is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing therapeutic candidates primarily for the treatment of cancer and inflammation. Panzem(R) (2-methoxyestradiol or 2ME2), the Company's lead drug candidate, is currently in Phase 2 clinical trials for cancer, as well as in preclinical development for rheumatoid arthritis. MKC-1, an oral cell cycle regulator, is in Phase 2 studies for metastatic breast cancer. ENMD-1198, a novel tubulin binding agent, is also in Phase 1 studies in advanced cancers. EntreMed's goal is to develop and commercialize new compounds based on the Company's expertise in angiogenesis, cell cycle regulation and inflammation -- processes vital to the treatment of cancer and other diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Additional information about EntreMed is available on the Company's website at http://www.entremed.com and in various filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Forward Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act with respect to the outlook for expectations for future financial or business performance, strategies, expectations and goals. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and no duty to update forward-looking statements is assumed. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors, including those set forth in Securities and Exchange Commission filings under "Risk Factors," including risks relating to the need for additional capital and the uncertainty of additional funding; risks associated with the integration of Miikana and its product candidates; the early-stage products under development; results in preclinical models are not necessarily indicative of clinical results, uncertainties relating to preclinical and clinical trials; success in the clinical development of any products; dependence on third parties; future capital needs; and risks relating to the commercialization, if any, of the Company's proposed products (such as marketing, safety, regulatory, patent, product liability, supply, competition and other risks).
CONTACT: Ginny Dunn, Associate Director, Corporate Communications & Investor Relations, of EntreMed, Inc., +1-240-864-2643.
Photo: Newscom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010620/ENMDLOGOAP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.orgPRN Photo Desk photodesk@prnewswire.comEntreMed, Inc.CONTACT: Ginny Dunn, Associate Director, Corporate Communications &Investor Relations, of EntreMed, Inc., +1-240-864-2643
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