ROCKVILLE, Md., March 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 during an oral presentation at the Inflammation and Immune Diseases Drug Discovery and Development Summit being held this week in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
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Preclinical studies demonstrate that daily oral administration of 2ME2 resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in inflammation and tissue destruction in accepted models of rheumatoid arthritis. Disease progression was blocked by treatment with 2ME2 based on quantitative histological analyses of tissue from a collagen-induced arthritis model. Two parameters for assessing inflammatory responses, infiltration of leukocytes (white blood cells) and pannus (destructive joint tissue) severity, showed a clear dose-dependent improvement with 2ME2 treatment. In addition, cartilage lesion and bone resorption severity scores, two parameters that assess the extent of tissue destruction, also displayed a dose-dependent decline following treatment with 2ME2.
In these preclinical models, treatment with 100 mg/kg of 2ME2 was nearly 100% effective in the inhibition of inflammatory response and tissue destructive processes. Moreover, abnormal angiogenesis associated with the progression of the rheumatoid pannus was virtually eliminated with 2ME2 treatment. Additional preclinical data was presented demonstrating that the severity of arthritis development could be further attenuated by the combination of 2ME2 with the standard of care agent, methotrexate.
Results from earlier preclinical studies in a collagen-induced 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.
EntreMed believes that these preclinical data further support the potential for 2ME2 as a disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD). The anti-arthritic activities of 2ME2 were apparent in both preventive (prior to arthritis onset) and treatment studies (active arthritis). The beneficial effects of 2ME2 in these models were dose-dependent and non-immunosuppressive.
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. We now have preclinical data showing additive benefit by combining 2ME2 with methotrexate. Angiogenesis is an integral component of 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 a second clinical indication.”
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, recently acquired through the Company’s acquisition of Miikana Therapeutics, is also in Phase 2 studies for cancer. 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; the integration of Miikana and its product candidates; the early stage of our products under development; that 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; our dependence on third parties; and regulatory risks.
CONTACT: Ginny Dunn EntreMed, Inc. Associate Director Corporate Communications & Investor Relations 240-864-2643
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CONTACT: Ginny Dunn, Associate Director Corporate Communications &Investor Relations of EntreMed, Inc., +1-240-864-2643
Web site: http://www.entremed.com/
