ROCKVILLE, Md., Aug. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EntreMed, Inc. (Nasdaq: ENMD - News), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases, announced the issuance of a U.S. patent covering methods of treatment and formulations for its lead clinical-stage compound, 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2). Panzem® NCD, an oral formulation of 2ME2, is currently in Phase 2 clinical trials for cancer. Panzem® is also in preclinical development for rheumatoid arthritis.
Patent No. 7,081,477, entitled “Estrogenic Compounds as Anti-Mitotic Agents,” contains claims granted by the U.S. Patent Office covering methods of using 2ME2 to treat diseases that are characterized by abnormal cell division (mitosis), including cancer and non-oncology diseases. The claims are independent of mechanism and cover various cancers, tumor metastases, vascular abnormalities, inflammatory and immune disorders, and abnormal angiogenesis that accompanies diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. The patent also covers multiple formulations for 2ME2. The inventors are Drs. Robert D’Amato and Judah Folkman from Children’s Hospital Boston. Children’s Hospital has licensed 2ME2 exclusively to EntreMed.
Panzem® (2ME2) is a novel anticancer agent that binds tubulin and works through multiple cellular pathways by disrupting microtubules necessary for rapid cancer cell division (mitosis), inducing programmed cell death (apoptosis), and blocking blood vessels that support tumor growth (angiogenesis inhibition). Results from preclinical studies also support the potential for Panzem® as a disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A marked inhibition of tissue and joint damage has been shown following treatment with 2ME2 in preclinical models of established rheumatoid arthritis.
James S. Burns, EntreMed President & CEO, commented, “This patent further expands the intellectual property coverage for Panzem®, our lead multi- mechanism drug candidate. We have increasing evidence that 2ME2 has both antitumor and antiinflammatory properties, providing us with potential opportunities to treat diseases such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. Since the role of different mechanisms may vary by indication, it is important to have patent coverage that is mechanism-independent. This newly issued patent gives us those mechanism-independent claims. EntreMed’s 2ME2 patent estate now covers composition, method, use and formulation patents through 2022.”
About EntreMed
EntreMed, Inc. (Nasdaq: ENMD - News) is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing therapeutic candidates primarily for the treatment of cancer and inflammation. Panzem® (2-methoxyestradiol or 2ME2), the Company’s lead drug candidate, is currently in multiple 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 metastatic breast 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®, 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 Associate Director, Corporate Communications & Investor Relations EntreMed, Inc. 240.864.2643
Source: EntreMed, Inc.
