ROCKVILLE, Md., July 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EntreMed, Inc. , a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing therapeutics primarily for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases, announced that it has entered into a collaborative research agreement with the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and Children’s Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research (CCIA) to map pathways involved in the mechanism of action for its lead compound, 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2 or Panzem(R)) and analogs of 2ME2. Research will be conducted at CCIA and UNSW under a grant awarded by the Australian Research Council (ARC).
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The primary objectives of the collaboration will be to develop models of resistance to 2ME2 in order to identify key proteins that may be potential novel drug targets and to further the understanding of how 2ME2 exerts its antitumor and antiangiogenic effects. In addition, differential proteomics and functional protein assays will be utilized to identify protein pathways involved in the mechanism of action of 2ME2 and 2ME2 analogs in order to identify novel drug targets and biomarkers of response to these agents.
Mark R. Bray, Ph.D., EntreMed Vice President, Research, commented on the collaboration, “Associate Professor Maria Kavallaris and her team at CCIA and UNSW are leaders in the study of microtubule targeting agents. Through this research, we expect to determine the relative importance of known 2ME2 mechanisms, as well as identify new protein targets and pathways whose functions are essential for the action of 2ME2 and its analogs. Further identification of these pathways may help in selecting the most effective clinical indications for 2ME2 treatment, and may lead to the discovery of biomarkers useful for assessing 2ME2 activity in the clinic. Additionally, we hope to identify novel targets for new cancer drug development. 2ME2 (Panzem(R) NCD) is currently in multiple Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials for the treatment of cancer.”
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 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 various Phase 2 studies for cancer. ENMD-1198, a novel tubulin-binding agent, is 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(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 EntreMed, Inc. 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/