EntreMed begins phase 2 study of MKC-1 for breast cancer

By Angela McDaniels

Seattle, Jan. 25 - EntreMed Inc. said it has begun a single-arm, open-label phase 2 study of MKC-1. Patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer who have failed conventional therapies will be treated with the drug at about 15 centers in the United States.

MKC-1 has demonstrated broad-acting anti-tumor effects in multiple animal models including paclitaxel-resistant models, according to a company news release.

During a prior phase 2 study involving 35 advanced breast cancer patients, the drug showed evidence of anti-tumor activity, including two partial responses (10 and 14 months), two minor responses and four patients with stable disease for four or more cycles.

"MKC-1 is our second product candidate to enter phase 2 clinical trials this year. As a result, we have strengthened our clinical portfolio and repositioned EntreMed as a solid mid-stage clinical oncology company," president and chief executive officer James S. Burns said in the release.

"Going forward, we will continue to maintain a lean infrastructure in support of our key clinical and pre-clinical programs, focusing internally where we can provide unique value and outsourcing what is readily available."

MKC-1 is a novel, orally active, small molecule drug that stops tumor growth by inhibiting cell division, the company said.

EntreMed is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company based in Rockville, Md., that develops therapeutic candidates primarily for the treatment of cancer and inflammation.

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