EntreMed, Inc. (Nasdaq: ENMD), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases, announced the presentation of preclinical results for its multi-target kinase inhibitor, ENMD-981693. The data were presented by EntreMed scientists at the 48th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) being held December 9-12, 2006 in Orlando, Florida.
ENMD-981693 is a multi-target kinase inhibitor with a unique selectivity profile and multiple mechanisms of action, including antiproliferative activity and the inhibition of angiogenesis. In preclinical studies, ENMD- 981693 has been shown to inhibit a unique profile of tyrosine kinase targets, in addition to the Aurora kinases. ENMD-981693 is selective for Aurora A in comparison to Aurora B. Aurora kinases are key regulators of the process of mitosis or cell division, and are often over-expressed in human cancers.
ENMD-981693 has shown highly potent activity against oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinases and cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases in vitro. ENMD-981693 induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in a wide variety of cell lines. ENMD-981693 inhibits the activity of multiple kinases in vitro, including FLT3, c-Kit and CSF1R, which are involved in hematological cancers. Additionally, the compound demonstrated potent activity towards a broad spectrum of targets linked to angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis (lymphatic vessels), including KDR (VEGFR2).
In results from in vivo animal models, ENMD-981693 exhibited anti- angiogenic activity by preventing the formation of new blood vessels and inducing regression of formed vessels at well-tolerated doses. ENMD-981693 induced strong tumor regression with minimal toxic effects when administered orally in animal models bearing tumors from a human leukemia cell line. This activity is consistent with tumor regression induced by ENMD-981693 in animal models of human tumors derived from leukemia, colon, and
breast cancer cell lines with minimal toxicity.
Carolyn F. Sidor, M.D., M.B.A, EntreMed Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, commented, "ENMD-981693 is a novel, orally-active, multi-kinase inhibitor with potent antiproliferative and antiangiogenic activity. In addition, ENMD-981693 has been shown to induce tumor regression at well- tolerated doses in multiple animal models. These data supported the selection of ENMD-981693 as a clinical development candidate in our kinase inhibitor program."
Dr. Sidor commented further, "Based on the potent preclinical activity of this compound and its ability to target multiple kinases, we believe that ENMD-981693 may be suitable for use in a variety of hematological and solid cancers. We are currently conducting IND-enabling studies for this compound in anticipation of filing an IND in 2007."
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 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
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 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.
http://www.entremed.com/
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