EntreMed Presents Results for Its Lead Aurora Kinase-Angiogenesis Inhibitor
December 10 2007 - 7:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
Results Demonstrate Tumor Regression in Preclinical Models
ROCKVILLE, Md., Dec. 10 /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 results for its
lead Aurora kinase-angiogenesis inhibitor, ENMD-981693 The data
were presented by EntreMed scientists at the American Society of
Hematology Annual Meeting being held December 8-11, 2007 in
Atlanta, Georgia. (Logo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010620/ENMDLOGO ) Preclinical
results demonstrate that orally-administered ENMD-981693 inhibits
Aurora A, VEGFR2, FGFR1, FGFR3s and Src activation in tumors in
vivo. ENMD-981693 demonstrated tumor regression and significant
growth inhibition in multiple myeloma xenografts, including tumors
that have high levels of constitutively active FGFR3, a mutation
found in a subset of multiple myeloma patients that promotes
disease progression. In addition, ENMD-981693 exhibited
antiangiogenic activity in animal models by both inducing
regression of formed blood vessels and preventing the formation of
new blood vessels at well- tolerated doses. ENMD-981693 is an oral,
multi-target kinase inhibitor with a unique kinase selectivity
profile and multiple mechanisms of action. ENMD-981693 has been
shown to inhibit a distinct profile of angiogenic tyrosine kinase
targets in addition to Aurora A kinase and other oncogenic
proteins. Aurora kinases are key regulators of mitosis (cell
division), and are often over-expressed in human cancers.
Inhibition of Aurora A has been shown to induce cell death in
multiple myeloma tumor cells preclinically. ENMD-981693 is
selective for the Aurora A isoform in comparison to Aurora B. Dr.
Mark R. Bray, Vice President Research at EntreMed commented on the
presentation, "ENMD-981693 has robust antitumor activity. In
multiple preclinical models, ENMD-981693 induces tumor regression
demonstrating the activity and tolerability of the molecule.
Further characterization of the unique target profile of
ENMD-981693 will direct the clinical development program. These
data support EntreMed's clinical rationale for this compound and
provide further validation for its potential clinical utility in
hematological cancers." To view the poster presentation, visit the
Company's web site at http://www.entremed.com/. About EntreMed
EntreMed, Inc. is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company
developing therapeutic candidates primarily for the treatment of
cancer and inflammation. Panzem(R) NCD (2-methoxyestradiol or 2ME2)
is currently in multiple Phase 2 clinical trials for cancer. MKC-1,
an oral cell-cycle regulator, is in multiple Phase 1 and 2 studies
for cancer. ENMD-1198, a novel tubulin-binding agent, is in Phase 1
studies in advanced cancers. Panzem(R) is also in preclinical
development for rheumatoid arthritis, and ENMD-2076, a dual-acting
Aurora-angiogenesis inhibitor, is in preclinical development for
cancer. 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 web site 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 Company's 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
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010620/ENMDLOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: EntreMed, Inc. CONTACT:
Ginny Dunn, Associate Director, Corporate Communications &
Investor Relations of EntreMed, Inc., +1-240-864-2643 Web site:
http://www.entremed.com/
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