Press Release
SOURCE: EntreMed, Inc.
EntreMed's Thalidomide Analog Powerful Against Multiple Myeloma in Preclinical Studies
ROCKVILLE, Md., April 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EntreMed, Inc. (Nasdaq: ENMD - news), a biopharmaceutical leader in angiogenic research and product development, today announced preclinical findings that a new derivative of thalidomide induces sustained tumor regression in preclinical models of multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that causes bone loss. The analog S-3APG, also known as ENMD 0995, produced this sustained regression even in tumors from cell lines resistant to conventional chemotherapy. Further, ENMD 0995 exhibited less toxicity and greater anti-tumor activity than thalidomide, a drug now widely used for the experimental treatment for multiple myeloma. The findings are featured in today's issue of Cancer Research. EntreMed has exclusive worldwide rights to the thalidomide analog S-3APG or ENMD 0995 through an agreement with Children's Medical Center Corporation, Boston. ENMD 0995 is covered by U.S. Patent Number 5,712,291 and other newly allowed and pending applications worldwide.
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Dr. Ed Gubish, EntreMed President and COO, commented, ``The fact that ENMD 0995 shows greater anti-tumor activity, but less toxicity than thalidomide, helps to move this analog one step closer to the clinic. These data also demonstrate the progress EntreMed scientists, together with our collaborators, continue to make as we develop the next generation angiogenesis inhibitors. ENMD 0995 is one of a series of molecules we are developing with the potential to halt or decrease tumor growth with limited or no side effects in patients.''
Dr. John Holaday, EntreMed Chairman and CEO said, ``Today's ENMD 0995 findings validate our decision last summer to monetize our future asset from the sale of thalidomide (Thalomid®) and to commit further resources to a more selective, less toxic derivative of thalidomide. Further, the funds we received from the sale of thalidomide have enabled us to invest further in our pipeline of promising new angiogenesis inhibitors and to continue to move our three lead drug candidates -- Endostatin, Panzem(TM) and Angiostatin -- through the clinic.''
In 1998, EntreMed licensed thalidomide for angiogenesis-related diseases to Celgene Corporation in exchange for royalty payments that totaled $5.6 million. In August 2001, EntreMed sold the future royalties from thalidomide for $24.3 million to Royalty Pharma AG, a Swiss stock corporation. Thalidomide analogs under development at EntreMed since 1994, including ENMD 0995, were specifically excluded from the Celgene licensing agreement.
The findings by the research team, which includes scientists from Children's Hospital Boston, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and EntreMed, demonstrated that ENMD 0995 has antiproliferative and antiangiogenic effects without toxicity to cells of the bone marrow or the precursors for blood cells. The team concluded that ENMD 0995 attained superior in vivo anti-tumor activity compared to thalidomide and induced sustained regressions in mouse models of Burkitt's lymphoma and myeloma. Additionally, ENMD 0995 exhibited less toxicity than thalidomide in long-term preclinical treatment groups. The complete paper entitled ``S-3-Amino-phthalimido-glutarimide inhibits angiogenesis and growth of B-cell neoplasias in mice'' is available in Cancer Research (Vol. 62, Issue 8, pgs. 2300-2305), a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research. Contributing authors are Children's Hospital's Robert J. D'Amato, Michael S. Rogers and Amy E. Birsner; Dana- Farber Cancer Institute's Suzanne Lentzsch, Richard LeBlanc and Kenneth C. Anderson; and EntreMed's Jamshed H. Shah and Antony M. Treston.
Multiple myeloma is the second most prevalent blood cancer and represents approximately 1% of all cancers and 2% of all cancer deaths. More than 40,000 Americans currently have multiple myeloma, including former Congresswoman Geraldine Ferraro. Over 14,000 new patients are diagnosed each year, with 11,000 people dying annually from multiple myeloma. The cancer is twice as common in males as females. African Americans and Native Pacific Islanders have the highest reported incidence of this disease. Among African Americans, multiple myeloma is one of the top ten leading causes of cancer death. For further information regarding multiple myeloma, contact the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation via Internet at multiplemyeloma.org or via phone at 203-972-1250.
EntreMed, Inc., The Angiogenesis Company®, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing angiogenic therapeutics that inhibit abnormal blood vessel growth associated with a broad range of diseases such as cancer, blindness and atherosclerosis. The company's strategy is to accelerate development of its core technologies through collaborations and sponsored research programs with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, universities and government laboratories. EntreMed has a rich pipeline of new proteins, genes and small molecules. For further information, visit EntreMed's web site at entremed.com .
EntreMed's majority owned subsidiary, MaxCyte, Inc., develops targeted therapeutic products to treat severe and chronic diseases, including cancer, serious infections, cardiovascular disease and genetic disorders, based on its proprietary technology that uses blood cells for drug and non-viral gene delivery. For further information, please visit maxcyte.com .
Statements herein that are not descriptions of historical facts are forward-looking and subject to risk and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors, including those set forth in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings under ``Risk Factors,'' including risks relating to the early stage of products under development; uncertainties relating to clinical trials; 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: Amy Finan, Director, Corporate Communications & Industry Relations of EntreMed, Inc., +1-240-864-2640, or +1-240-413-3300. |
