Recently Expanded Clinical Program Now Includes Solid and Hematological Malignancies
ROCKVILLE, Md., June 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EntreMed, Inc. (Nasdaq: ENMD), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing therapeutics for the treatment of cancer today announced the presentation of clinical data for its Aurora A/angiogenic kinase inhibitor, ENMD-2076, at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting being held this week in Orlando, Florida. Data were presented in both oral discussion and poster sessions.
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ENMD-2076, a small molecule, oral kinase inhibitor that targets Aurora A and other kinases critical to angiogenesis, cellular growth and proliferation, was studied in patients with refractory solid tumors. Data from the 25 patients who participated demonstrated that ENMD-2076 administered orally in daily doses is associated with clinical benefit as determined by reductions in tumor volume, reductions in tumor markers, and improvement in cancer-related symptoms. These benefits were demonstrated in patients with a variety of tumor types including melanoma, renal cell, ovarian and colorectal cancer. ENMD-2076 was well-tolerated when administered daily.
In addition, plasma soluble KDR (VEGFR2), a marker of effect against the VEGF receptor, was reduced in all patients when compared to baseline. Side effects included hypertension and low blood counts, consistent with the known targets of ENMD-2076. Plasma concentrations at the higher dose levels evaluated were within the range of where there was excellent antitumor activity in preclinical models.
EntreMed Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Carolyn F. Sidor, M.D., M.B.A., commented, 'Plans are underway to expand this study and evaluate additional patients with a variety of cancers as well as specifically those with colorectal and ovarian cancers. These additional data will guide our selection of the most promising solid tumor indications for further study in Phase 2. The recent initiation of Phase 1 studies in multiple myeloma and leukemia will allow us to extend the possible indications for ENMD-2076 into hematological malignancies where preclinical data have been encouraging.
