Positive results for EntreMed drug in arthritis test

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.

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.

Dr Carolyn Sidor, EntreMed vice president and Chief Medical Officer commented. “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.”

Rheumatoid arthritis affects over 2 million American adults, of which about two-thirds of them are women. The disease, characterized by pain, stiffness, swelling, and deformity can become debilitating. Within 5 years of diagnosis, a third of patients are no longer working, and within 10 years, half of the patients have substantial functional disability. RA can shorten life expectancy by 5-10 years.