Tumor Inhibition Demonstrated in Lung and Colorectal Cancers
ROCKVILLE, Md., April 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EntreMed, Inc.
(Nasdaq: ENMD), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing
therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases,
announced the presentation of results for its preclinical tubulin inhibitor
compounds. The data were presented by EntreMed scientists at the American
Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting in Los Angeles,
California.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010620/ENMDLOGO )
Results of the studies presented at the AACR meeting demonstrated a
potent, dose-dependent inhibition of tumor growth following the
administration of ENMD-1420 (previously CC-5079) in two distinct
preclinical models of metastatic lung and colorectal carcinoma. At
maximally tolerated doses, tumor growth inhibition ranged from 80-90%.
ENMD-1420 can exist in two chemical configurations termed the Z or E
isomer. In vivo studies with each configuration further demonstrated the Z
isomer (ENMD-1427) to be significantly more potent than the E isomer
(ENMD-1916) for antitumor activity.
Part of the mechanism by which ENMD-1420 exerted an antitumor effect
involved the inhibition of angiogenesis, in addition to its
antiproliferative activity. In vivo angiogenesis assays showed that the
administration of ENMD- 1420 at maximally tolerated doses led to the
disruption of established blood vessels. Previous studies showed that
ENMD-1420 inhibits tubulin polymerization and TNF-alpha production,
contributing to its antiproliferative activity through apoptosis.
Collectively, these data suggest that both ENMD- 1420 and its Z isomer have
potent antitumor and antiangiogenic activity. Furthermore, a synthetic
strategy targeting a particular isomer can be used to optimize antitumor
and antiangiogenic activity for purposes of lead compound identification.
Carolyn F. Sidor, M.D., M.B.A., EntreMed Vice President and Chief
Medical Officer, stated, "We continue to make good progress on our tubulin
inhibitor program. The results of these studies will help us to further
identify a lead molecule for evaluation in additional tumor models.
ENMD-1420 and multiple compounds of a similar class are licensed
exclusively from Celgene Corporation for development in oncology. These
compounds have proven to be potent inhibitors of tumor growth and have both
antiproliferative and antiangiogenic activities. We continue to evaluate
ENMD-1420 and related compounds with the goal of identifying a lead
molecule within the next twelve months."
To view the poster presentation, visit Scientific Presentations under
the Therapeutic Pathways section of the Company's web site at
http://www.entremed.com.
About Tubulin Inhibitors
Tubulins are the proteins that form microtubules, which are key
components of the cellular cytoskeleton (structural network). Microtubules
are necessary for cell division (mitosis), cell structure, transport,
signaling and motility. Given their primary role in cell division,
microtubules have been an important target for anticancer drugs -- often
referred to as tubulin inhibitors or microtubule targeting agents. These
compounds bind to tubulin protein, either in the monomer form or
polymerized in microtubules, and prevent cancer cell proliferation by
interfering with the microtubule dynamics required for cell division. This
interference blocks the cell cycle sequence, leading to cell death
(apoptosis).
About EntreMed
EntreMed, Inc. (Nasdaq: ENMD) 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, an oral cell cycle regulator, is in Phase 2 studies for 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(R), 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).
Ginny Dunn
EntreMed, Inc.
Associate Director
Corporate Communications &
Investor Relations
(240) 864-2643
SOURCE EntreMed, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.entremed.com
Photo Notes:Newscom:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010620/ENMDLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org PRN Photo Desk
photodesk@prnewswire.com
CONTACT:
Ginny Dunn, Associate Director Corporate
Communications & Investor Relations, EntreMed, Inc.,
+1-240-864-2643
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