ROCKVILLE, Md., May 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- EntreMed, Inc. (Nasdaq: ENMD), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing therapeutics for the treatment of a variety of cancers, announced the issuance of a U.S. patent covering methods of treatment and formulations for its clinical-stage compound, 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2).
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Patent No. 8,399,440, entitled "Disease Modifying Anti-Arthritic Activity of 2-Methoxyestradiol," was granted on March 19, 2013, by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office and contains composition and method claims covering the combination of 2ME2 and methotrexate for the treatment of rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis.
2ME2 is an orally active compound that has antiproliferative, antiangiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. The inhibition of angiogenesis is an important approach to the treatment of both cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. 2ME2 has potential as a single agent in rheumatoid arthritis based on its antiangiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-osteoclastic (bone resorption) properties. 2ME2 has also demonstrated positive preclinical results for multiple sclerosis.
Rheumatic diseases are characterized by inflammation and loss of function in one or more connecting or supporting structures of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a rheumatic disease characterized by persistent synovial tissue inflammation. In time, this persistent inflammation can lead to bone erosion, destruction of cartilage, and complete loss of joint integrity.
Ken K. Ren, Ph.D., EntreMed's CEO, commented, "This patent further expands the intellectual property coverage for 2ME2. We have increasing evidence that 2ME2 has anti-inflammatory properties, providing us with potential opportunities to treat diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Clinical trial activities have previously been conducted with 2ME2 in RA, and in December 2012, preclinical results for 2ME2 were published online in the Early Edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). We believe 2ME2 has therapeutic value to the management of multiple sclerosis, RA and possible other autoimmune disorders and we are currently exploring strategies for the development of 2ME2 including potential partnership opportunities. EntreMed's 2ME2 patent estate now provides composition, method, use, and formulation patent coverage through 2022."
About EntreMed
EntreMed is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company employing a drug development strategy primarily in the United States and China to develop targeted therapeutics for the global market. Its lead compound, ENMD-2076, a selective angiogenic kinase inhibitor, has completed several Phase 1 studies in solid tumors, multiple myeloma, and leukemia, and is currently completing a multi-center Phase 2 study in ovarian cancer. EntreMed is currently conducting a Phase 2 study of ENMD-2076 in triple-negative breast cancer and a Phase 2 study of ENMD-2076 in advanced/metastatic soft tissue sarcoma. The Company is headquartered in Rockville, Maryland and has local operations in Beijing, China. Additional information about EntreMed is available on the Company's web site at www.entremed.com and in various filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC).
About ENMD-2076
ENMD-2076 is an orally-active, Aurora A/angiogenic kinase inhibitor with a unique kinase selectivity profile and multiple mechanisms of action. ENMD-2076 has been shown to inhibit a distinct profile of angiogenic tyrosine kinase targets in addition to the Aurora A kinase. Aurora kinases are key regulators of mitosis (cell division), and are often over-expressed in human cancers. ENMD-2076 also targets the VEGFR, Flt-3 and FGFR3 kinases which have been shown to play important roles in the pathology of several cancers. ENMD-2076 has shown promising activity in Phase 1 clinical trials in solid tumor cancers, leukemia, multiple myeloma, and is currently completing a Phase 2 trial for ovarian cancer. EntreMed is currently conducting a dual-institutional Phase 2 study of ENMD-2076 in triple-negative breast cancer and a Phase 2 study in advanced/metastatic soft tissue sarcoma. ENMD-2076 has received orphan drug designation from the FDA for the treatment of ovarian cancer, multiple myeloma and acute myeloid leukemia.
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: the risk that we may be unable to continue as a going concern as a result of our inability to raise sufficient capital for our operational needs; the possibility that we may be delisted from trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market; the volatility of our common stock; the difficulty of executing our business strategy in China; our inability to enter into strategic partnerships for the development, commercialization, manufacturing and distribution of our proposed product candidate or future candidates; risks relating to the need for additional capital and the uncertainty of securing additional funding on favorable terms; declines in actual sales of Thalomid® resulting in reduced or no royalty payments; risks associated with our product candidates; any early-stage products under development; results in preclinical models are not necessarily indicative of clinical results; uncertainties relating to preclinical and clinical trials, including delays to the commencement of such trials; the lack of success in the clinical development of any of our products; dependence on third parties; and risks relating to the commercialization, if any, of our proposed products (such as marketing, safety, regulatory, patent, product liability, supply, competition and other risks). Such factors, among others, could have a material adverse effect upon our business, results of operations and financial condition. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which only speak as of the date made. Additional information about the factors and risks that could affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, are contained in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), which are available at www.sec.gov.
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