Patent Covers Compositions and Methods

ROCKVILLE, Md., June 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EntreMed, Inc.(Nasdaq: ENMD), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developingtherapeutics for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases, todayannounced the issuance of U.S. Patent No. 7,371,741 covering analogs of 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2). The patent grants EntreMed composition-of-matter andmethod of use intellectual property protection through 2025 for analogs of2ME2 in oncology and a broad range of non-oncology indications, includinginflammatory and immune disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, and other diseasescharacterized by abnormal cell division (mitosis).

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Analogs of 2ME2 have been developed by EntreMed to improve metabolicstability and retain or enhance antiproliferative and antiangiogenicproperties. Preclinical results demonstrate that certain analogs of 2ME2 canattack tumors on multiple fronts -- directly by disrupting microtubules, anintracellular matrix necessary for the rapid division of cancer cells, throughinhibition of mitosis and induction of apoptosis, and by blocking bloodvessels that feed tumors (angiogenesis inhibition).

U.S. Patent No. 7,371,741 entitled 'Estradiol derivatives andpharmaceutical compositions using same,' covers analogs that have beenmodified at certain positions on the 2-methoxyestradiol structure, yet retaintheir ability to inhibit cell proliferation. In addition, the '741 patentclaims methods for treating tumors with compounds having the claimedstructural modifications of 2-methoxyestradiol. The '741 patent covering theissued claims is owned exclusively by EntreMed.

James S. Burns, EntreMed President & Chief Executive Officer, commented,'This patent is the result of an extensive internal program to identify novelcompounds based on our expertise in angiogenesis, cell cycle regulation andcell signaling. This patent further strengthens our intellectual propertyposition in next generation antimitotic and antiangiogenic drugs for thetreatment of cancer. ENMD-1198, a lead compound resulting from our analogprogram, is currently in a Phase 1 study in advanced cancers. We anticipatecompletion of the study in the second half of 2008. Additional studies,including an expanded Phase 1 or Phase 2 trial, are planned for later thisyear.'

About EntreMed

EntreMed, Inc. is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developingtherapeutic candidates primarily for the treatment of cancer and inflammation.MKC-1 is currently in multiple Phase 2 clinical trials for cancer.