ROCKVILLE, Md., Aug. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EntreMed, Inc. , a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases, today announced the issuance of U.S. Patent No. 7,087,592 covering composition of matter for purified 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2). 2ME2 is currently in Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials for cancer (Panzem(R) NCD), as well as in preclinical development for rheumatoid arthritis. This patent further strengthens EntreMed’s intellectual property protection for 2ME2 to include highly purified compositions and extends the patent life for 2ME2 to 2022.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010620/ENMDLOGO )
Patent No. 7,087,592 entitled “Compositions Comprising Purified 2-Methoxyestradiol and Methods of Producing Same,” contains claims granted by the U.S. Patent Office covering pharmaceutical compositions comprising 2ME2 having purities greater than 98.0%, 99% and 99.5% that are substantially free of steroid and other contaminants. In addition, the patent also covers methods for obtaining purified 2ME2 by synthetic and purification techniques. The patent covering high-purity 2ME2 resulted from discoveries by EntreMed scientists.
Potential therapeutic uses of 2ME2 in oncology, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular and other diseases require a high level of purity in order to achieve their maximum benefits. Compositions of 2ME2 that are less than 98%, 99% and 99.5% pure contain estradiol or other steroid contaminants that can have estrogenic or carcinogenic effects. Pharmaceutical formulations containing these contaminants would not be suitable for development in cancer, inflammatory, cardiovascular, and other diseases.
James S. Burns, President & Chief Executive Officer, commented, “The issuance of this patent covering composition of matter claims for purified 2ME2 represents a significant milestone for EntreMed. We now have issued patents for Panzem(R), our lead clinical candidate, covering composition, methods and uses across a broad range of diseases. We demonstrated that high- purity 2ME2 is a novel composition that can be produced to 99.5% purity through synthetic or purification methods, decreasing the potential for undesirable side effects. The essence of our technology is that highly purified 2ME2 contributes to its pharmaceutical activity while reducing estrogenic components remaining from the manufacturing process.”
Mr. Burns further commented, “We believe that high purity 2ME2 is essential to commercializing Panzem(R) and we are proceeding forward with development on that basis. The patent term has been extended to 2022 to cover delays in the appeal process. We believe that we now have a very strong intellectual property position to support continuing development of Panzem(R).”
About 2ME2
2ME2 is a novel anticancer agent, which is in clinical development as part of a next generation of antimitotic cancer drugs that bind to tubulin and work through multiple cellular pathways. 2ME2 can attack tumors on multiple fronts -- directly by disrupting microtubules (an intracellular matrix necessary for the rapid division of cancer cells), by inducing programmed cell death (apoptosis), and by blocking blood vessels that feed tumors (angiogenesis inhibition).
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 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 (including the timing of royalty revenues and future R&D expenditures), 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; variations in actual sales of Thalomid(R), 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 EntreMed, Inc. 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
Web site: http://www.entremed.com//
