Antiproliferative and Antiangiogenic Activity Demonstrated in Preclinical
Leukemia and Breast Cancer Models
ROCKVILLE, Md., April 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EntreMed, Inc.
(Nasdaq: ENMD), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing
therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases, today
announced the presentation of preclinical data for its clinical-stage
product candidate, ENMD-1198. The data were presented by EntreMed
scientists and collaborators during two separate sessions at the American
Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting being held this week
in Los Angeles, California.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010620/ENMDLOGO )
ENMD-1198, a new chemical entity (NCE) based on a modified chemical
structure of 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2), is designed to decrease metabolism
while retaining 2ME2's multiple mechanisms of action, including inducing
apoptosis, disrupting microtubules, and inhibiting HIF-1 alpha. In
preclinical studies, ENMD-1198 has been shown to be an orally active,
antimitotic agent that leads to arrest of cell division and apoptosis in
tumor cells. ENMD-1198 also exerts antiangiogenic activity that further
contributes to its overall antitumor effects.
Results demonstrate that oral administration of ENMD-1198 was well
tolerated and produced significant dose-dependent antitumor activity in a
preclinical breast tumor model. Histologic staining and evaluation of tumor
sections from the breast cancer model demonstrated a decrease in HIF-1
alpha, tumor cell growth (PCNA), and angiogenesis (CD31). HIF-1 alpha is a
protein that is upregulated in many human tumors and has been shown to
promote tumorigenesis and decrease tumor cell sensitivity to anticancer
agents.
In a separate preclinical study, conducted by EntreMed collaborators at
the Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research and the
University of New South Wales, ENMD-1198 demonstrated antitumor activity
against vinca alkaloid (microtubule destabilizing agent) sensitive and
resistant leukemia cell lines. Results from in vivo studies also showed
that treatment with ENMD-1198 prolonged survival rates significantly in
vinca alkaloid sensitive and resistant (ALL3, ALL7 and ALL19) preclinical
leukemia models.
"These data further support ENMD-1198's potential for broad application
in a variety of solid and hematological cancers," said Carolyn F. Sidor,
M.D., M.B.A., EntreMed's Vice President and Chief Medical Officer.
"Preclinical studies with ENMD-1198 continue to highlight its significant
antitumor activity and multiple mechanisms of action. These studies will
help guide our selection of indications for further clinical development.
ENMD-1198 is currently in a Phase 1 dose-escalation study in advanced
cancer patients, and we anticipate presentation of interim clinical data
from the Phase 1 study later this year."
To view the poster presentations, visit Scientific Presentations under
the Therapeutic Pathways section of the Company's web site at
http://www.entremed.com.
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).
CONTACT:
Ginny Dunn
Associate Director, Corporate
Communications & Investor Relations
EntreMed, Inc.
240-864-2643
SOURCE EntreMed, Inc.
 back to top
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 of EntreMed, Inc.,
+1-240-864-2643
|
