EntreMed Reports 2ME2 Inhibits Inflammation and Disease Progression In Rheumatoid Arthritis Model

EntreMed Reports 2ME2 Inhibits Inflammation and Disease Progression In Rheumatoid Arthritis Model EntreMed Reports 2ME2 Inhibits Inflammation and Disease Progression In Rheumatoid Arthritis Model Preclinical Results Presented at Paris Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Meeting ROCKVILLE, Md., Oct. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EntreMed, Inc. (Nasdaq: ENMD), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing therapeutics primarily for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases, today announced preclinical rheumatoid arthritis results for its lead compound, 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2). Ernest Brahn, M.D., Professor of Medicine and Rheumatology Program Director, University of California Los Angeles, School of Medicine, presented the preclinical results during an oral presentation at the Paris Anti-Inflammatory Drugs 2005 Conference, which was held at the Pasteur Institute in Paris, France October 7-8, 2005. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010620/ENMDLOGO ) Results from preclinical studies in a rat collagen-induced arthritis model of chronic autoimmune inflammatory joint disease demonstrated that daily oral administration of 2ME2 resulted in a statistically significant reduction in clinical severity of joint inflammation and inhibition of articular joint damage as determined by blinded high resolution radiographs of bone erosions. These data further support the potential for 2ME2 as a disease modifying anti- rheumatic drug (DMARD). The anti-arthritic activities of 2ME2 were apparent in both preventive (prior to arthritis onset) and treatment studies (active arthritis). In addition, when 2ME2 was administered in the preventive setting, the onset of arthritis was delayed significantly. The beneficial effects of 2ME2 were dose-dependent and non-immunosuppressive. Dr. Brahn commented on the results of the study, 'These preclinical data further demonstrate the impact of 2ME2 on inflammation and disease progression and indicate that 2ME2 may represent a novel agent for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.' EntreMed Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Carolyn F. Sidor, M.D., M.B.A, commented on the study results, 'This is the fourth in a series of preclinical studies designed to verify the disease modifying properties of 2ME2 in well-accepted rheumatoid arthritis models. Angiogenesis is an integral component of rheumatoid arthritis and 2ME2, which has antiangiogenic properties, may represent a novel oral, non-immunologic DMARD approach to treating this disease. Based on these findings, we intend to commence IND- enabling studies this quarter, leading to an IND submission in 2006.' About Rheumatoid Arthritis and Inflammation Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects over 2 million American adults, of which about two-thirds are women. The disease, characterized by pain, stiffness, swelling, and deformity can become debilitating. Within 5 years of diagnosis, a third of patients are no longer working, and within 10 years, half of the patients have substantial functional disability. RA can shorten life expectancy by 5-10 years. Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease characterized by the inflammation of the membrane lining of the joint, called the synovium, which releases enzymes that destroy bone and cartilage, causing the joint to lose its shape and alignment. RA may also cause inflammation of internal organs, leading to organ damage. DMARDs are drugs that have the ability to slow down disease progression in rheumatoid arthritis. Inflammation is the general process involving the reaction of tissue to injury or disease. The condition may be either local or systemic and can be divided into acute (immediate) and chronic (prolonged) patterns. The endothelial cell responses involved in angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) and homeostasis are central to inflammatory diseases. In contrast to acute inflammation, which is manifested by vascular changes, edema, and largely neutrophil infiltration, chronic inflammation is characterized by infiltration with mononuclear leukocytes, tissue destruction, angiogenesis, and fibrosis. As a result, the cellular pathways involved in acute and chronic inflammation can be overlapping or distinct. Inflammation is a process that is associated with many diseases, including cancer and arthritis. A number of EntreMed's compounds have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in preclinical models. About EntreMed EntreMed, Inc. (Nasdaq: ENMD) is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing therapeutic candidates primarily for the treatment of cancer and inflammation. Panzem(R) (2-methoxyestradiol or 2ME2), the Company's lead drug candidate, is currently in clinical trials for cancer, as well as in preclinical development for non-oncology indications. EntreMed's goal is to develop and commercialize new compounds based on the Company's expertise in angiogenesis, cell cycle regulation 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, 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; 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, Inc.

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