Panzem is a small molecule metabolite of 17beta-estradiol which, in its purified form, has antiproliferative, apoptotic and antiangiogenic activity.
In three distinct preclinical treatment models, oral administration of Panzem demonstrated antiarthritic activity when treatment was initiated following disease progression. In these therapeutic intervention models, arthritic activity was attenuated and joint damage arrested as assessed by histology or radiography. When Panzem was administered early following disease initiation, there was a dose-dependent inhibition of arthritic activity (measuring evident edema and inflammation) and, in one model, a delay in the onset of disease.
The results of these studies demonstrate that Panzem is a DMARD (disease-modifying antirheumatic drug) that inhibits the principal symptoms of the disease, including cartilage lesions, bone resorption, cellular infiltration and pannus formation.
James Burns, president and CEO, said: “Acceptance of the investigational new drug (IND) application for Panzem in rheumatoid arthritis represents the completion of a key development milestone and adds another asset to our pipeline. Our strategy moving forward will be to initiate early clinical trials internally and then seek a development partner for larger multicenter clinical trials.”