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 for its lead Aurora kinase-angiogenesis inhibitor, ENMD-981693 The data were presented by EntreMed scientists at the American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting being held December 8-11, 2007 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010620/ENMDLOGO )
Preclinical results demonstrate that orally-administered ENMD-981693 inhibits Aurora A, VEGFR2, FGFR1, FGFR3s and Src activation in tumors in vivo. ENMD-981693 demonstrated tumor regression and significant growth inhibition in multiple myeloma xenografts, including tumors that have high levels of constitutively active FGFR3, a mutation found in a subset of multiple myeloma patients that promotes disease progression. In addition, ENMD-981693 exhibited antiangiogenic activity in animal models by both inducing regression of formed blood vessels and preventing the formation of new blood vessels at well- tolerated doses.
ENMD-981693 is an oral, multi-target kinase inhibitor with a unique kinase selectivity profile and multiple mechanisms of action. ENMD-981693 has been shown to inhibit a distinct profile of angiogenic tyrosine kinase targets in addition to Aurora A kinase and other oncogenic proteins. Aurora kinases are key regulators of mitosis (cell division), and are often over-expressed in human cancers. Inhibition of Aurora A has been shown to induce cell death in multiple myeloma tumor cells preclinically. ENMD-981693 is selective for the Aurora A isoform in comparison to Aurora B.
Dr. Mark R. Bray, Vice President Research at EntreMed commented on the presentation, “ENMD-981693 has robust antitumor activity. In multiple preclinical models, ENMD-981693 induces tumor regression demonstrating the activity and tolerability of the molecule. Further characterization of the unique target profile of ENMD-981693 will direct the clinical development program. These data support EntreMed’s clinical rationale for this compound and provide further validation for its potential clinical utility in hematological cancers.”
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 of EntreMed, Inc., +1-240-864-2643
Web site: http://www.entremed.com/
