Duke University to evaluate EntreMed’s Panzem in breast cancer

The University plans to conduct basic, translational and clinical studies using Panzem NCD with a range of chemotherapeutic agents to determine the effect of Panzem, or 2ME2, on chemotherapy resistant tumors. EntreMed is supplying for these studies.

Breast cancer kills over 40,000 US women a year, despite the recent introduction of new therapies. According to EntreMed, ten-year survival rates for women receiving standard systemic therapy is 50-80% due to insufficient response to hormonal and chemotherapy. A primary resistance mechanism is thought to be the upregulation of HIF-1alpha.

“Our prior studies demonstrate that the inhibition of HIF-1alpha causes near-complete destruction of tumor vessels and significantly improved radio-sensitivity in radiation resistant breast tumors,” said Kimberly Blackwell, director of clinical trials in breast cancer at Duke University. “Through studies performed under this grant, we hope to determine which chemotherapy agents and HIF- 1alpha inhibiting drugs work best together.”

Panzem NCD is an anticancer agent, which is part of a next generation of antimitotic cancer drugs that bind to tubulin and work through multiple cellular pathways. 2ME2 attacks tumors on multiple fronts – directly by disrupting microtubules, by inducing programmed cell death and by blocking blood vessels that feed tumors.

EntreMed said it is currently evaluating 2ME2 formulations (Panzem Capsules and Panzem NCD) in phase I and II clinical oncology studies.