Disease modifying activity of 2ME2 demonstrated in preclinical rheumatoid arthritis studies

[Guest guest]

EntreMed a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing

therapeutics primarily for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory

diseases, has announced the presentation of positive preclinical

results for its lead compound, 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2), in models

of rheumatoid arthritis.

The data were presented during the 7th World Congress on

Inflammation, held recently in Melbourne, Australia.

Preclinical studies demonstrated that daily oral administration of

2ME2 resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in inflammation and tissue

destruction in two distinct animal models of rheumatoid arthritis.

Two parameters for assessing inflammatory responses, infiltration of

inflammatory cells and pannus severity, showed a clear dose-dependent

improvement with 2ME2- treatment. Cartilage lesion and bone

resorption severity scores, two parameters that assess tissue

destruction processes, also displayed a dose- dependent decline after

treatment with 2ME2. Treatment with 100 mg/kg of 2ME2 was nearly 100%

effective in the inhibition of inflammatory response and tissue

destructive processes in a collagen-induced arthritis model. In

addition, in an adjuvant-induced arthritis model, 2ME2 inhibited

arthritis to a level comparable to standard of care agents, Enbrel

and methotrexate.

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

Officer commented on the presentation, " We continue to generate

positive preclinical data demonstrating the impact of 2ME2 on

inflammation and disease progression in rheumatoid arthritis. These

data, as well as data from previous preclinical studies, support

2ME2's potential as a disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD)

candidate. While we continue evaluating 2ME2 (Panzem Capsules and

Panzem NCD) in oncology, we will conduct further preclinical studies

in rheumatoid arthritis to explore additional clinical opportunities

for this compound. Our goal is to file an IND for 2ME2 in rheumatoid

arthritis in 2006. "

http://www.entremed.com

http://www.news-medical.net/?id=12670