EntreMed Initiates ENMD-2076 Clinical Trial in Multip...(ematopoietic progenitor cells which are ...)

ENMD-2076 is an orally-active, Aurora A/angiogenic kinase inhibitor with a unique kinase selectivity profile and multiple mechanisms of action. ENMD-2076 has been shown to inhibit a distinct profile of angiogenic tyrosine kinase targets in addition to Aurora A kinase and other oncogenic proteins. Aurora kinases are key regulators of mitosis (cell division), and are often over-expressed in human cancers. In addition, ENMD-2076 is relatively selective for the Aurora A isoform in comparison to Aurora B. ENMD-2076 has shown significant cytotoxic activity preclinically towards a variety of human leukemia and myeloma cell lines, as well as towards ex vivo-treated human leukemia patient samples.

EntreMed Vice President of Research, Mark R. Bray, Ph.D., commented, "With our ongoing study in solid tumors progressing well, coupled with the initiation of the multiple myeloma study, our ENMD-2076 program is gaining substantial momentum. The work of Dr. Farag and his colleagues has provided important insights into the mechanism of action of ENMD-2076, and has strongly supported the rationale for clinical investigation of the drug candidate in hematologic malignancies such as multiple myeloma."

Carolyn F. Sidor, M.D., M.B.A., Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, commented on the Phase 1 study, "Initiation of this Phase 1 study represents continued advancement of the ENMD-2076 clinical program. We are encouraged by the significant preclinical activity we have observed with ENMD-2076 in both solid and hematologic tumors. Based on our cumulative preclinical data, we believe that ENMD-2076 may provide clinical benefit in a broad range of malignancies. We anticipate commencement of a second Phase 1 study in hematological cancers early next year."

To view a copy of Dr. Farag's poster, visit the Company's web site
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