EntreMed Inc. and the National Cancer Institute Sign Letters of Intent to Develop Antiangiogenic Drug Therapies.ROCKVILLE, Md.--(BW HealthWire)--Aug. 7, 1997--EntreMed Inc. (NASDAQ NASDAQ in full National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations U.S. market for over-the-counter securities. Established in 1971 by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), NASDAQ is an automated quotation system that reports on :ENMD) announced Thursday that it has signed two letters of intent with the National Cancer Institute (NCI See Liberate. ) to commence research collaborations for the development of antiangiogenic an·ti·an·gi·o·gen·ic adj. Inhibiting the growth of blood vessels. antiangiogenic drug therapies for use in preclinical and clinical studies. The collaborations include Endostatin en·do·stat·in n. A potent, naturally occurring antiangiogenic protein that inhibits the formation of the blood vessels that feed tumors and is under investigation as a potential cancer therapy. (TM) protein, a natural antiangiogenic protein that has been shown in preclinical studies preclinical studies, n.pl a term used to describe research done before a clinical study. May be laboratory or epidemiologic research. to inhibit the growth of blood vessels Blood vessels Tubular channels for blood transport, of which there are three principal types: arteries, capillaries, and veins. Only the larger arteries and veins in the body bear distinct names. , thereby starving cancerous tumors, and 2-Methoxyestradiol (2-ME), a natural, orally active estrogen metabolite metabolite, organic compound that is a starting material in, an intermediate in, or an end product of metabolism. Starting materials are substances, usually small and of simple structure, absorbed by the organism as food. believed to be an inhibitor of angiogenesis angiogenesis /an·gio·gen·e·sis/ (-jen´e-sis) vasculogenesis; development of blood vessels either in the embryo or in the form of neovascularization or revascularization. an·gi·o·gen·e·sis n. and also an anti-tumor agent. In addition, the program will evaluate promising synthetic 2-ME analogs. The NCI and EntreMed will explore various manufacturing processes and preclinical evaluation of Endostatin(TM) protein for safety and effectiveness as essential prerequisites for joint clinical testing. Dr. Judah Folkman and his team of scientists at Children's Hospital, a teaching affiliate of the Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School (HMS) is one of the graduate schools of Harvard University. It is a prestigious American medical school located in the Longwood Medical Area of the Mission Hill neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. in Boston, announced in January 1997 the discovery of Endostatin(TM) protein and its potential as a highly potent antiangiogenic therapy Antiangiogenic Therapy Definition Antiangiogenesis therapy is one of two types of drugs in a new class of medicines that restores health by controlling blood vessel growth. The other medication is called pro-angiogenic therapy. in preclinical cancer studies. The program also outlines strategies for the evaluation of 2-ME and analogs for toxicity and effectiveness in animal models, and if successful, may allow for rapid advancement toward clinical studies as an orally available anti-cancer agent. Dr. Robert D'Amato and colleagues at Children's Hospital found in preclinical studies that 2-ME inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells and blocked angiogenesis. Both letters of intent are for one year and will allow the immediate initiation of collaborative studies while concluding negotiation of Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs). EntreMed has exclusive, worldwide commercial rights for both Endostatin(TM) protein and 2-ME through an exclusive sponsored research agreement with Children's Hospital that supports the angiogenesis research of Folkman and his team of scientists. The NCI has identified the development of antiangiogenic therapeutics as an area of great interest. The NCI is widely recognized for its ability to lead the way in developing anti-cancer therapeutics and bringing them to patients. Folkman, the pioneer of the angiogenesis field and Professor of Surgery at Children's Hospital, offered remarks about the joint relationship, stating, "The collaboration between EntreMed and the NCI will certainly aid in expanding our understanding of antiangiogenesis in oncology. Antiangiogenic therapies hold promise in the treatment of a variety of diseases, and it is important for us to explore the most promising leads. Endostatin(TM) protein and 2-ME represent two leading drug candidates that were derived from natural sources." EntreMed Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. John W. Holaday, added: "We look forward to continuing to work closely with the NCI and believe that the preclinical and clinical development of both Endostatin(TM) protein, as well as 2-ME, will be significantly enhanced by combining collaborative efforts of the NCI with EntreMed's drug development program. The collaboration with the NCI, EntreMed's drug development focus and Dr. Folkman's pioneering discoveries provide an efficient means for expediting the development of these potential cancer drug candidates. This association reinforces EntreMed's strong partnership with the NCI, with whom preliminary trials in brain tumors, prostate cancer prostate cancer, cancer originating in the prostate gland. Prostate cancer is the leading malignancy in men in the United States and is second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer death in men. and Kaposi's sarcoma yielded encouraging evidence of clinical activity." Rockville-based EntreMed Inc., an innovative biopharmaceutical company, develops products that address the role of blood and blood vessels Blood and Blood Vessels acidosis Medicine. a condition of the blood in which the alkali reserve is lower than normal. Also called acid intoxication, autointoxication. — acidotic, adj. in health and disease. The company is a leader in the field of antiangiogenesis research, which involves the inhibition of abnormal blood vessel growth believed to be associated with a broad range of diseases. The company's strategy is to accelerate development of its current core technologies through collaborations and sponsored research programs with university medical facilities, research companies and government laboratories. EntreMed anticipates commercialization of its products through strategic partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies. In December 1995, EntreMed forged a strategic partnership with Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. to further the preclinical and clinical development of Angiostatin an·gi·o·stat·in n. A naturally occurring protein that is a specific inhibitor of endothelial proliferation and a potent angiogenesis inhibitor. It is under investigation as a potential cancer therapy. (TM) protein and thalidomide thalidomide (thəlĭd`əmĭd'), sleep-inducing drug found to produce skeletal defects in developing fetuses. The drug was marketed in Europe, especially in West Germany and Britain, from 1957 to 1961, and was thought to be so safe that analogs. For further information, visit the EntreMed Web site at www.entremed.com . -0- NOTE: 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 proposed products (such as marketing, safety, regulatory, patent product liability, supply, competition and other risks). CONTACT: EntreMed Dr. John W. Holaday Chairman/CEO Dr. Edward R. Gubish Senior Vice President/Research & Development 301/217-9858 or Susan J. Lewis, 301/738-2495 |
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