EntreMed, Inc has commenced a Phase 2 trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Panzem (2-methoxyestradiol; 2ME2) alone or in combination with Sutenttermterm (sunitinibterm) in patients with metastaticterm renal cell carcinomaterm. The University of Wisconsin, Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center will be the main center conducting the trial under the guidance of Dr. Glenn Liu. The trial will investigate Panzem’s potential to treat patients who are progressing on sunitinib.

     Panzem NCD uses Elan Drug Delivery's (Elan) NanoCrystal Colloidal Dispersion (NCD) technology, a technology that is being used in marketed pharmaceuticals. The NCD technology produces nanometer-sized particles, which are up to 500 times smaller than particles manufactured by conventional milling techniques. Panzem NCD works by blocking the VEGFterm receptor and by inhibiting HIF-1alpha. The theory behind Panzem’s anti-tumor effects is that renal cell cancers are frequently associated with VEGF and PDGF overexpression involving a HIF-1alpha mechanism. It is thought that patients who progress through the tyrosine kinase inhibitor response, such as those on the tyrosine kinase inhibitor sunitinib, have an increase in HIF-1alpha expression to compensate for the kinase inhibition in order to continue tumor growth. Dr. Liu has stated that this trial will test this hypothesis. Panzem NCD is also currently in Phase 2 clinical trials for brain, ovarian, carcinoid, and prostate cancers as well as in Phase 1 study in metastatic breast cancer.