
Angiogenic |
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ENDOSTATIN™
www.cytimmune.com
www.entremed.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 3, 1998
ENTREMED, INC. AND CYTIMMUNE SCIENCES, INC. ANNOUNCE
A PRODUCT LAUNCH OF THE ENDOSTATIN™ PROTEIN IMMUNOASSAY
KIT
Rockville, Md. September 3, 1998 ... EntreMed, Inc.
(NASDAQ:ENMD) and CytImmune Sciences Inc. announced
today the product launch of the Endostatin™ Protein
ACCUCYTE™ Immunoassay Kit developed collaboratively by
the companies.
The patented ACCUCYTE™ kit is the first commercially
available immunoassay kit for the detection of human
Endostatin™ protein in biological fluids, such as blood.
A naturally occurring fragment of collagen XVIII,
Endostatin™ protein was discovered in 1996 in the
laboratory of Dr. Judah Folkman at Children's Hospital,
Boston. Antiangiogenic agents such as Endostatin™ starve
tumors to death by blocking the growth of blood vessels
that supply nutrients necessary for their proliferation.
In preclinical studies in mice, Endostatin™ protein has
proven to be a potent antiangiogenic agent by repeatedly
inhibiting the growth of metastatic and primary
cancerous tumors with no noted drug resistance or
toxicity.
Dr. Lawrence Tamarkin, President and Chief Executive
Officer for CytImmune Sciences Inc., commented on the
product launch, "Scientists worldwide now have a
new research tools to accurately measure Endostatin™ in
fluids from patients with cancer and cardiovascular
disease. The Endostatin™ kit is part of CytImmune's
ACCUCYTE™ assay product line designed to measure
angiogenic factors and garner critical data which may be
used for future diagnostic applications."
CytImmune Sciences Inc. developed the Endostatin™
antibody and the critical components of the ACCUCYTE™
Immunoassay kit. EntreMed, Inc. supplied purified
recombinant Endostatin™ for the generation of the
antibody and for use as the kit standard against which
unknown Endostatin™ protein is measured. CytImmune
Sciences is initially selling the kit for research use
only, and EntreMed will receive royalties from those
sales.
Dr. John W. Holaday, EntreMed Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer commented on the ACCUCYTE™
Immunoassay Kit, "This new assay will allow
researchers to detect human Endostatin™ protein and to
understand its potential association with diseases such
as cancer and blindness. The kit also serves as an
important method of monitoring the production lots and
pharmacological profile of Endostatin™ as we continue to
develop this important product candidate."
EntreMed, Inc. holds the commercial rights to
Endostatin™ protein and is currently preparing for the
commencement of human clinical trials in 1999.
College Park, Md.-based CytImmune Sciences Inc., is a
privately held company founded in 1988. The Company
patented its ACCUCYTE™ product line in 1996 and has
commercialized 25 different immunoassay kits. After
receiving an initial round of funding in 1997, the
Company is collaborating with research entities
worldwide to explore new platform technologies including
targeted drug delivery systems, methods for safe
delivery of cytokines for immunotherapeutic regimens,
gene therapy, and vaccine adjuvants.For further
information, please visit the CytImmune Sciences web
site at www.cytimmune.com.
Rockville, Md.-based EntreMed, Inc., the Angiogenesis
Company™, is a leader in the field of antiangiogenesis
research, which involves the inhibition of abnormal
blood vessel growth recently associated with a broad
range of diseases. The Company's strategy is to
accelerate development of its core technologies through
collaborations and sponsored research programs with
university medical departments, pharmaceutical companies
and government laboratories. EntreMed has a strategic
partnership with Bristol-Myers Squibb Company to further
the preclinical and clinical development of Angiostatin™
protein and thalidomide analogs. For further
information, please visit the EntreMed web site at
www.entremed.com
Statements herein that are not descriptions of
historical facts are forward-looking and subject to risk
and uncertainties. Actual results could differ
materially from those currently anticipated due to a
number of factors, including those set forth in the
Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings
under "Risk Factors," including risks relating
to the early stage of products under development;
uncertainties relating to clinical trials; dependence on
third parties; future capital needs; and risks relating
to the commercialization, if any, of the Company's
proposed products (such as marketing, safety,
regulatory, patent, product liability, supply,
competition and other risks).
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