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 lead compound, 2-
methoxyestradiol (2ME2), in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Data were presented
earlier today by EntreMed collaborator, Dr. Ernest Brahn, Professor of
Medicine and Rheumatology Program Director, Division of Rheumatology,
University of California Los Angeles, School of Medicine during an oral
presentation at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology EULAR 2006
being held this week in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Results from studies in a preclinical arthritis model of chronic
autoimmune inflammatory joint disease demonstrated that daily oral
administration of 2ME2 resulted in a statistically significant reduction in
clinical severity of joint inflammation and inhibition of articular joint
damage as determined by blinded high resolution radiographs of bone
erosions. The inhibition of disease progression by 2ME2 treatment was based
on histological analyses of tissue parameters that included inhibition of
(a) white blood cell infiltration; (b) pannus (destruction joint tissue)
severity; and (c) cartilage breakdown.
One of the mechanisms by which 2ME2 exerts DMARD activity in the
preclinical arthritis model involves the inhibition of angiogenesis, which
is necessary to support the growth of the pannus. Further tissue analyses
on the articular joints from 2ME2-treated models demonstrated decreased von
Willebrand factor expression indicating a loss or inhibition of
vascularity. In addition, RT-PCR on dissected synovial tissue showed
suppression in the gene expression of the angiogenic growth factors, VEGF
and FGF-2. These data further support the potential for 2ME2 as a disease
modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD).
Dr. Brahn commented on the results of the study, "These preclinical
data further define the impact of 2ME2 on inflammation and disease
progression and indicate that 2ME2 may represent a novel agent for the
treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The demonstration that 2ME2 inhibits
angiogenesis in this model of rheumatoid arthritis now establishes a
mechanistic link that leads to the involution of collagen-induced
arthritis."
EntreMed Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Carolyn F. Sidor,
M.D., M.B.A, commented on the study results, "We continue to generate
positive preclinical data demonstrating the effect of 2ME2 on inflammation
and disease progression in well-accepted preclinical models of rheumatoid
arthritis. Angiogenesis is a needed component of pannus growth in
rheumatoid arthritis, and 2ME2, which has antiangiogenic properties, may
represent a novel oral, non-immunologic DMARD approach to treating this
disease. We will continue to explore 2ME2's DMARD activity in preclinical
rheumatoid arthritis models with the intent of supporting clinical
development in RA in addition to our Phase 2 oncology program."
About Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis affects over 2 million American adults, of which
about two-thirds of them are women. The disease, characterized by pain,
stiffness, swelling, and deformity can become debilitating. Within 5 years
of diagnosis, a third of patients are no longer working, and within 10
years, half of the patients have substantial functional disability. RA can
shorten life expectancy by 5-10 years.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), one of the most common forms of arthritis,
is a systemic disease characterized by inflammation of the membrane lining
of the joint, which causes pain, stiffness, redness, swelling, and loss of
function in the joint. The inflamed joint lining, called the synovium,
releases enzymes that destroy bone and cartilage, causing the joint to lose
its shape and alignment. This process can result in joint pain, loss of
movement, and deformity. DMARDs are drugs that have the ability to slow
down disease progression in rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune
diseases.
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 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 entremed 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).
EntreMed, Inc.
entremed
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