ROCKVILLE, Md., Feb. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EntreMed, Inc. , a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and inflammation, today announced the issuance of U.S. Patent No. 6,995,278 covering analogs of its lead compound, 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2 or Panzem(R)). Panzem(R) is currently in clinical trials for cancer, as well as in preclinical development for inflammatory disorders.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010620/ENMDLOGO )
The patent grants EntreMed composition-of-matter intellectual property protection through 2020 for analogs of 2ME2 in oncology and a broad range of non-oncology indications, including inflammatory and immune disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, and other diseases characterized by abnormal cell division (mitosis).
Panzem(R) is a novel anticancer agent, which is part of a next generation of antimitotic cancer drugs that bind to tubulin and work through multiple cellular pathways. 2ME2 can attack tumors on multiple fronts -- directly by disrupting microtubules, an intracellular matrix necessary for the rapid division of cancer cells (mitosis), by inducing programmed cell death (apoptosis), and by blocking blood vessels that feed tumors (angiogenesis inhibition). Analogs of 2ME2 have been developed by EntreMed to decrease metabolism while retaining their antiproliferative and antiangiogenic properties.
James S. Burns, EntreMed President & Chief Executive Officer, commented, "EntreMed is focused on the development of a new generation of small molecule drugs for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory disorders by attacking disease cells directly and the blood vessels that nourish them. This patent and other pending patents are the result of an extensive internal program to identify new antiangiogenic compounds based on EntreMed's expertise in angiogenesis, cell cycle regulation, and inflammation. This patent further strengthens our intellectual property position in next generation antimitotic and antiangiogenic drugs for the treatment of cancer. ENMD-1198, the lead compound resulting from our analog program, currently has an active IND and we anticipate initiating a Phase 1 clinical trial in cancer this quarter."
U.S. Patent No. 6,995,278 entitled "Antiangiogenic Agents," covers analogs that have been modified at certain positions on the 2-methoxyestradiol structure, yet retain their ability to inhibit cell proliferation. In addition, the '278 patent claims methods for modifying 2ME2 to obtain the analogs and for treating diseases or conditions with compounds having the claimed structural modifications of 2-methoxyestradiol. The '278 patent covering the issued claims is owned exclusively by EntreMed.
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, recently acquired through the Company's acquisition of Miikana Therapeutics, is also in Phase 2 studies 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 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, 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; 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
Photo: Newscom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010620/ENMDLOGOAP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.orgPRN Photo Desk photodesk@prnewswire.comEntreMed, Inc.CONTACT: Ginny Dunn, Associate Director, Corporate Communications &Investor Relations, of EntreMed, Inc., +1-240-864-2643
Web site: http://www.entremed.com/
