ROCKVILLE, Md., April 19 /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 MKC-1, its novel cell cycle inhibitor. The data were presented by EntreMed scientists at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting being held this week in Los Angeles, California.
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MKC-1 is a novel, orally-active cell cycle inhibitor with in vitro and in vivo efficacy against a broad range of human solid tumor cell lines, including multi-drug resistant cell lines. In previous studies, MKC-1 demonstrated broad-acting antitumor effects, showing tumor growth inhibition or regression in multiple preclinical models, including paclitaxel-resistant models. MKC-1 has been shown to inhibit mitotic spindle formation, prevent chromosome segregation in the M-phase (mitosis) of the cell cycle, and induce apoptosis. These effects are consistent with mechanisms resulting from MKC-1 binding to multiple intracellular targets, including tubulin and the importin-beta proteins. The importin-beta family of proteins plays a critical role in nuclear transport and cell division.
In these studies, MKC-1 showed potent, dose-dependent activity against a variety of cell lines derived from cancers of human blood cells, and inhibited growth of primary cells derived from acute and chronic myelogenous leukemia (AML and CML) patients in vitro. MKC-1 was also shown to inhibit PI3-Kinase and mTOR pathways by inducing a dose-dependent reduction in the levels of the activated forms of the oncogenic kinases Akt and p70S6K. These signaling pathways are strongly linked to cancer proliferation and survival.
Additionally, MKC-1 showed enhanced activity with cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) in combination studies in vitro when added either simultaneously or sequentially in an AML cell line. MKC-1, therefore, induces apoptosis in hematopoietic cell lines and patient samples through a complex mechanism involving arrest of the cell cycle and disruption of multiple oncogenic survival pathways.
Mark R. Bray, Ph.D., EntreMed’s Vice President Research, commented on the results, “These data provide further evidence that MKC-1 disrupts multiple survival pathways in tumor cells, including the PI3-Kinase and mTOR signaling pathways. Our results indicate that MKC-1 causes cell cycle arrest and induces apoptosis both in leukemia cell lines and in leukemia patient samples.”
Dr. Bray also commented, “These findings further support our plans to evaluate MKC-1 in leukemia patients, either as a single agent or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents. MKC-1 is currently in Phase 2 trials for metastatic breast cancer and non-small cell lung cancer, as well as a Phase 1 clinical trial for leukemia. We plan to continue evaluating the clinical potential for MKC-1 in both solid and hematological tumors.”
To view the poster presentation, visit Scientific Presentations under the Therapeutic Pathways section of the Company’s web site at 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 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 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 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//
