Immunomodulator induces long-term anti-tumor activity

Mar 29 2004

EntreMed, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing therapeutic candidates primarily for the treatment of cancer, today reported that three months following administration with ENMD 0996, preclinical animal models showed inhibition of metastases. Data presented at the 95th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) demonstrated that ENMD 0996 specifically blocks the activity of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2), a naturally-occurring protein that stimulates angiogenesis, but had no effect on other angiogenesis stimulators.

Additionally, ENMD 0996 caused an activation of specific immune cells in response to FGF-2. These activities may contribute to the compound's anti-tumor effects. To date, ENMD 0996 has not shown evidence of toxicity in preclinical models or an effect upon normal physiology specifically related to wound healing and reproduction.

Neil Campbell, EntreMed President and Chief Operating Officer, commented, "With compounds like ENMD 0996, we continue to increase the potential value of EntreMed's pipeline as our research and development efforts advance. Now that we have demonstrated ENMD 0996's ability to protect against tumor growth in preclinical models, we are conducting further preclinical challenge studies to better our understanding of this type of approach, as well as investigating possible therapeutic uses. We are also exploring external development opportunities for this drug candidate."

EntreMed scientists discovered ENMD 0996 and the respective intellectual property belongs exclusively to the Company. The ENMD 0996 data were presented and authored by Stacy M. Plum, PhD, EntreMed Research Scientist. In addition to the AACR poster ("Induction of an Immune Response in Mice Following Administration of a Liposomal-formulated FGF-2 Peptide Antigen" available at www.entremed.com), Dr. Plum also authored a paper ("Generation of a Specific Immunological Response to FGF-2 Does Not Affect Wound Healing or Reproduction") published in Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology, Volume 26, Issue 1, pages, 29-41.

About EntreMed

EntreMed, Inc. (Nasdaq: ENMD) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing therapeutic candidates primarily for the treatment of cancer. Panzem(R), the Company's lead drug candidate, is currently in clinical trials for cancer, as well as preclinical development for indications outside of oncology. EntreMed's research and development programs are designed to identify new chemical entities by understanding the interrelationships of cell cycle regulation, inflammation, coagulation and angiogenesis -- processes vital to the treatment of multiple diseases, including cancer. These programs have led to the identification of new therapeutic targets such as inhibition of the tissue factor pathway and the proteinase-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2). Based on these targets, EntreMed scientists are designing additional drug candidates for in-house development or partnering opportunities. For further information, visit the Company's website at www.entremed.com.