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
program. The data were presented by EntreMed scientists at the 18th
European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, National Cancer
Institute, American Association for Cancer Research (EORTC-NCI-AACR)
Symposium on "Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics" at the Prague
Congress Centre in Prague, Czech Republic.
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).
Results of the studies presented at the Prague meeting demonstrate that
ENMD-1420 (previously CC-5079) inhibits tubulin polymerization and
TNF-Alpha production and has both in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity.
Each tubulin inhibitor in this class of compounds represented by ENMD-1420
can exist in two chemical configurations termed the Z or E isomer. In vitro
studies with analogs related to ENMD-1420 showed that the Z isomer is more
potent than the E isomer for antiproliferative activity. The potency
difference ranges from 7 to 40-fold depending on the molecule and the cell
line tested.
These molecules have potent in vitro antiproliferative and
antiangiogenic effects against both tumor cells and endothelial cells.
Preclinical data also suggest that these molecules have significant in vivo
antitumor activity in a model of lung metastatic disease. This study shows
that therapeutic dosing regimens can be developed with the Z isomers that
result in antitumor activity in preclinical tumor models. Additionally,
these data suggest that a synthetic strategy targeting a particular isomer
can be used to optimize antitumor activity and lead compound
identification.
Carolyn F. Sidor, M.D., M.B.A., EntreMed Vice President and Chief
Medical Officer, stated, "We continue to make progress with the tubulin
inhibitor program and the results of this study are an important component
in reaching our goal of selecting a lead compound. ENMD-1420 and other
tubulin inhibitors were licensed exclusively from Celgene Corporation in
early 2005 for development in oncology. We remain on our year-end schedule
of selecting several lead candidates for further optimization."
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 1 and 2 clinical
trials for cancer, as well as in preclinical development for rheumatoid
arthritis. MKC-1, an oral cell cycle regulator, is in Phase 1 and 2
clinical trials 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, signaling pathways, 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 (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 development of 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