ROCKVILLE, Md., Dec. 10 /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 in preclinical leukemia models for its antimitotic agent, ENMD-1198, in combination with vincristine. The data were presented by EntreMed collaborator, Dr. Maria Kavallaris, at the American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting being held December 8-11, 2007 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo: Newscom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010620/ENMDLOGO)
Data presented demonstrate that ENMD-1198, administered as a single agent, is effective in significantly delaying the growth of leukemia xenografts in vivo. Combination studies with ENMD-1198 and another microtubule targeting agent commonly used in the treatment of leukemias, vincristine, demonstrate synergistic effects on leukemia cells in vitro and tolerability of doses that prolonged survival in leukemia xenograft models.
ENMD-1198, a new chemical entity (NCE) derived from 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2), was designed to decrease metabolism while retaining 2ME2’s multiple mechanisms of action, including inducing apoptosis, disrupting microtubules, and inhibiting HIF-1alpha. In prior preclinical studies, ENMD-1198, an orally active antimitotic agent, leads to arrest of cell division and apoptosis in tumor cells. ENMD-1198 also exerts antiangiogenic activity that further contributes to its overall antitumor effects.
Mark R. Bray, Ph.D., EntreMed Vice President, Research, commented on the results, “We continue to be encouraged by the potent preclinical antitumor activity of ENMD-1198 as a single agent and in combination with other chemotherapeutics. The observation that two active microtubule agents can be combined to produce synergistic activity at tolerated doses is quite encouraging. ENMD-1198 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 study in refractory solid tumor patients and we anticipate commencement of Phase 2 clinical studies in 2008.”
To view the poster presentation, visit 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) NCD (2-methoxyestradiol or 2ME2) is currently in multiple Phase 2 clinical trials for cancer. MKC-1, an oral cell-cycle regulator, is in multiple Phase 1 and 2 studies for cancer. ENMD-1198, a novel tubulin-binding agent, is in Phase 1 studies in advanced cancers. Panzem(R) is also in preclinical development for rheumatoid arthritis, and ENMD-2076, a dual-acting Aurora-angiogenesis inhibitor, is in preclinical development 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 web site 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 Company’s 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 for EntreMed, Inc., +1-240-864-2643,
http://www.entremed.com
Web site: http://www.entremed.com/
