ROCKVILLE, Md., Nov. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EntreMed, Inc. , a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases, today announced preclinical results for its novel tubulin binding agent, ENMD-1198. Results for the preclinical study were presented by EntreMed scientists during a poster session at the combined American Association for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (AACR-NCI-EORTC) International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics being held this week in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010620/ENMDLOGO )
ENMD-1198, a new chemical entity (NCE) based on a modified chemical structure of 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2), is designed to decrease metabolism while retaining 2ME2’s multiple mechanisms of action, including inducing apoptosis, binding microtubules, and inhibiting HIF-1alpha. Study results demonstrated that ENMD-1198 is an orally active, microtubule disrupting agent that leads to arrest of cell division and apoptosis in tumor cells. In addition, ENMD-1198 also exerts antiangiogenic activity that further contributes to its overall antitumor effects. Preclinical results for ENMD- 1198 support its potential for broad application in cancer.
Data demonstrate that oral administration of ENMD-1198 leads to pronounced in vivo antitumor activity in preclinical cancer models resulting in a reduction in tumor burden and/or an increase in survival equivalent to cyclophosphamide. Oral daily treatment with ENMD-1198 in an orthotopic animal model of human breast cancer led to the disruption of microtubules within tumor cells, as well as a substantial decrease in tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Findings from the IND-directed preclinical 28 day toxicology studies were also presented demonstrating that ENMD-1198 affects cell populations with a high proliferative rate, including bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract and lymphoid organs. These effects are common with approved cancer agents and can be monitored in the clinic.
Carolyn F. Sidor, M.D., M.B.A, EntreMed Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, commented on the study results, “ENMD-1198 is a novel molecule with potent antitumor and antiangiogenic properties. Although ENMD-1198 shares many of the mechanisms of 2ME2, its activity profile is significantly different and, as such, we expect that the two compounds will be used to treat different tumors. On this basis, we are planning to move forward with clinical development of both compounds for use in treating cancer patients. EntreMed has completed IND-enabling studies for this compound and we remain on schedule for submitting an IND by the end of this year.”
To view the poster presentation, visit Scientific Presentations under the Therapeutic Pathways section of the Company’s web site at http://www.entremed.com.
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 clinical trials for cancer, as well as in preclinical development for non-oncology indications. 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 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 of 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 of Corporate Communications &Investor Relations of EntreMed, Inc., +1-240-864-2643
Web site: http://www.entremed.com/
