EntreMed Presents Preclinical Data for 2ME2 in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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EntreMed Presents Preclinical Data for 2ME2 in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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ROCKVILLE, MD USA 01/18/2005

http://www.entremed.com

Study Demonstrates DMARD Activity in Animal Models

ROCKVILLE, Md., April 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EntreMed, Inc.

(Nasdaq: ENMD) today announced the presentation of preclinical data for

2-

methoxyestradiol (2ME2) in rheumatoid arthritis. The data were

presented at

the XXXV International Congress of Physiological Sciences during the

annual

meeting of the American Association of Immunologists being held this

week in

San Diego, California.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010620/ENMDLOGO )

The anti-arthritic activity of 2ME2 was evaluated in a preclinical

animal

model of rheumatoid arthritis. Data from the study demonstrated that

oral

treatment with 2ME2 resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in severity of

arthritic disease as determined by standard clinical measurements. A

decrease

in clinical symptoms with 2ME2 administration was accompanied by a

marked

inhibition of tissue and joint damage that are hallmarks of rheumatoid

arthritis, such as inflammatory cell infiltrates, articular (joint)

cartilage

erosion, pannus (vascular connective tissue) formation, and bone

resorption.

These data demonstrate that in this animal model of rheumatoid

arthritis,

2ME2 decreases inflammation, halts disease progression, and indicates

that

2ME2 has disease modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) properties.

Carolyn F. Sidor, MD, EntreMed Vice President and Chief Medical

Officer,

commented on the study, " It is now accepted that angiogenesis is a main

contributor in the development and promotion of rheumatoid arthritis.

Therefore, a potential way to attenuate the development of this disease

is to

disrupt the blood supply. The data being presented demonstrate that

2ME2, a

known antiangiogenic agent, has the potential to be a disease modifying

antirheumatic drug candidate. EntreMed is currently evaluating 2ME2

formulations (Panzem® Capsules and Panzem® NCD) in Phase I and II

clinical

oncology studies, as well as preclinical studies of 2ME2 in inflammatory

diseases such as RA. "

To view the poster presentation, visit Scientific Presentations

under the

Therapeutic Pathways section of the Company's website at

http://www.entremed.com.

About Rheumatoid Arthritis and Inflammation

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), one of the most common forms of

arthritis, is a

systemic disease that is characterized by the inflammation of the

membrane

lining of the joint, which causes pain, stiffness, redness, swelling,

and loss

of function in the joint. The inflamed joint lining, called the

synovium,

releases enzymes that destroy bone and cartilage, causing the joint to

lose

its shape and alignment. This process can result in joint pain, loss of

movement, and deformity. 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 and other autoimmune

diseases.

Inflammation is the 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 pathologies, including cancer, cardiovascular disease 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® (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.

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04-05-2005/0003332015 & EDATE=

For those wanting to understand what Angiogenesis is:

Understanding Angiogenesis

http://www.angio.org/understanding/understanding.html