Healthcare Industry News: Panzem
News Release - December 12, 2006
EntreMed Presents Data on the Combination of Panzem(R) and Velcade(R) in Multiple Myeloma
Increased Apoptosis and Tumor Growth Inhibition With the CombinationROCKVILLE, Md., Dec. 12 (HSMN NewsFeed) -- EntreMed, Inc. (Nasdaq: ENMD ), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases, today announced the results of in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies showing a treatment benefit in multiple myeloma with the combination of Panzem® (2- methoxyestradiol or 2ME2) and Velcade® (bortezomib) over either agent used alone. The results from these studies, conducted by EntreMed researchers, were presented at the 48th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology being held this week in Orlando, Florida.
Panzem® is currently being evaluated in Phase 1 and Phase 2 oncology clinical trials, including multiple myeloma. In anticipation of continued clinical trials using Panzem® in combination with approved agents, we evaluated the preclinical effectiveness of Panzem® alone or with Velcade®. Part of the rationale for this combination stems from the inhibition of the nuclear transcription factors, NFkappaB and HIF-1alpha, by Velcade® and Panzem®, respectively. Many of Velcade's anti-myeloma effects are believed to be due to the inhibition of proteosome function and blockage of NFkappaB, leading to a downregulation in the expression of various growth, survival, and angiogenic factors. Panzem® disrupts microtubule function and inhibits not only NFkappaB, but also the nuclear transcription factor, HIF-1alpha.
In the presented work, preclinical in vitro studies showed the combination of Panzem® with Velcade® to have greater antiproliferative effects on two human multiple myeloma cell lines tested than either agent alone. The enhanced growth inhibition obtained with the combination was associated with an increase in apoptosis-related proteins, decreased levels of the nuclear transcription factors, HIF-1alpha, pSTAT3 and NFkappaB, and a decrease in the autocrine growth factor, IL-6.
Increased antiproliferative activity against human multiple myeloma cells with the combination of Panzem® and Velcade® was also observed in vivo. Oral administration of Panzem® in combination with a maximally-tolerated dose of Velcade® resulted in 65% growth inhibition of advanced multiple myeloma. Administration of Velcade® or Panzem® alone inhibited tumor growth by approximately 35%. Tumor tissue and plasma samples from preclinical models showed that, in addition to decreased angiogenesis, the combined treatment mirrored the effects observed in vitro (increased apoptosis and decreased transcription factors and IL-6).
Carolyn F. Sidor, M.D., M.B.A., EntreMed Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, commented on the presentation, "These studies provide evidence that the combination of Panzem® and Velcade® can impact multiple molecular pathways involved in the growth of multiple myeloma. Some of these pathways are clearly overlapping for Panzem® and Velcade®, such as NFkappaB, and the observation that combined treatment leads to greater inhibition is important in considering the potential for the two agents in clinical studies. Furthermore, Panzem®'s safety profile provides an opportunity for combining it with a maximally tolerated dose of Velcade® to increase its effectiveness."
To view the poster presentation, visit Scientific Presentations under the Therapeutic Pathways section of the Company's website at http://www.entremed.com.
Velcade® is a registered trademark of its owner and is not a registered trademark of EntreMed, Inc.
About EntreMed
EntreMed, Inc. (Nasdaq: ENMD ) is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing therapeutic candidates primarily for the treatment of cancer and inflammation. Panzem® (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®, 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).
Source: EntreMed
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