ROCKVILLE, Md., Nov. 14 /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 results for its lead product candidate, 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2), in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Data were presented by EntreMed collaborator, Dr. Ernest Brahn, Professor of Medicine and Rheumatology Program Director, Division of Rheumatology, University of California Los Angeles, School of Medicine at the 70th annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology and the 41st annual meeting of the Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals ACR/ARHP being held at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010620/ENMDLOGO )
Results from treatment studies in a preclinical model of rheumatoid arthritis demonstrated that daily oral administration of 2ME2 reduced clinical severity of joint inflammation and inhibited articular joint damage in a dose- dependent manner. The inhibition of disease progression with 2ME2 treatment in this preclinical CIA model was revealed through blinded high resolution radiographs demonstrating attenuation of both soft tissue swelling and developing bone erosions. Tissue analyses on the articular joints from 2ME2 treated animals revealed the inhibition of angiogenesis as measured by decreased von Willebrand factor expression. In addition, PCR protocols on dissected synovial tissue showed suppression in the gene expression of VEGF and FGF-2, two prominent angiogenic growth factors. These results identify 2ME2 as a disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD), which is partly attributed to its antiangiogenic activity.
Dr. Brahn commented on the results of the study, “These results continue to demonstrate the positive impact of 2ME2 on reducing inflammation, angiogenesis, and associated disease progression in preclinical models. Furthermore, the studies continue to indicate that 2ME2 may represent a novel agent for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.”
Carolyn F. Sidor, M.D., M.B.A., Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, further commented, “EntreMed and its collaborators have made considerable progress in establishing the preclinical rationale for 2ME2 as potential treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. IND-enabling studies are well underway and we remain on track to initiate a clinical evaluation of 2ME2 in this debilitating disease.”
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 1 and 2 clinical trials for cancer, as well as in preclinical development for rheumatoid arthritis. MKC-1, an oral cell cycle regulator, is in Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials for 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 (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 development of 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 EntreMed, Inc. Associate Director Corporate Communications & Investor Relations (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/
