ENTREMED'S ARTHRITIS DRUG SHOWS PROMISE IN PRECLINICAL STUDY

EntreMed has reported that preclinical trials of its experimental treatment for rheumatoid arthritis showed positive results. The company said that tests with lab rats found that the drug significantly reduced the severity of joint inflammation and joint damage. The anti-arthritic activities were apparent in both preventative and treatment studies.

The drug, 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2), is EntreMed's leading drug candidate. The company is also developing its anticancer drug, Panzem. Currently, EntreMed has one drug in clinical trials with potential uses in breast, lung, ovarian and prostate cancer. The company is focused on oncology and anti-inflammatory drugs.