Elan, EntreMed sign agreement for Panzem NCD oncology product

By Lisa Kerner

Erie, Pa., Jan. 10 - Elan Corp., plc and EntreMed, Inc. have entered into a license agreement granting EntreMed rights to use Elan's proprietary NanoCrystal technology to develop the oncology product candidate, Panzem NCD (2ME2 or 2-methoxyestradiol).

An orally active small molecule, 2ME2 attacks tumor cells and blocks the development of new blood vessels that feed tumor cells, according to a company news release.

Under the terms of the agreement, Elan is eligible to receive milestone and royalty payments based on sales of Panzem NCD.

Elan will manufacture EntreMed's Panzem NCD, a NanoCrystal technology formulation with improved bioavailability and absorption. The companies signed a Clinical Supply Agreement in 2004 covering the supply of Panzem NCD for phase 1 trials. The agreement was extended to include supplying Panzem NCD for phase 2 trials and beyond.

Panzem NCD is currently in Phase 1b clinical studies in patients with advanced cancer. EntreMed expects to begin multiple phase 2 trials early this year.

"We hope that these agreements will lead to the launch of a new product with unique benefits to cancer patients," said Elan executive vice president Paul V. Breen in a company news release.

Elan is a biotechnology company that develops and markets therapies to treat neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune diseases and severe pain. The company is based in Dublin, Ireland.

EntreMed, with headquarters in Rockville, Md., develops therapies for the treatment of cancer and inflammation.

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