New 2ME2 Patent Strengthens EntreMed's Position in Cancer and Non-Oncology Diseases:


ROCKVILLE, Md., March 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EntreMed, Inc. (Nasdaq: ENMD), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases, today announced the issuance of U.S. Patent No. 7,012,070 covering methods of treatment for a broad range of indications with its lead clinical-stage compound, 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2). Panzem(R) NCD, an oral formulation of 2ME2, is currently in Phase 2 clinical trials for cancer. Panzem(R) is also in preclinical development for rheumatoid arthritis. (Logo: Newscom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010620/ENMDLOGO )

Patent No. 7,012,070, entitled "Estrogenic Compounds as Anti-Mitotic Agents," contains claims granted by the U.S. Patent Office covering 2ME2 for the treatment of multiple indications, including cancer and inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. The patent claims cover methods of treating a broad range of disease indications with 2ME2 that is independent of mechanism, including solid tumors or tumor metastases, immune and inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. The patent is owned by Children's Hospital Boston and licensed exclusively worldwide to EntreMed, Inc Panzem(R) (2ME2) is a novel anticancer agent, which is part of a next generation of antimitotic cancer drugs that bind to tubulin and work through multiple cellular pathways. 2ME2 can attack tumors on multiple fronts -- directly by disrupting microtubules, an intracellular matrix necessary for the rapid division of cancer cells (mitosis), by inducing programmed cell death (apoptosis), and by blocking blood vessels that feed tumors (angiogenesis inhibition).