EntreMed, Inc, a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases, announced that it has engaged JSB-Partners, a global life sciences advisor, to enhance business development and partnering activities for its lead Aurora A/angiogenesis kinase inhibitor, ENMD-2076.

ENMD-2076 is a novel, orally-active, selective kinase inhibitor with potent activity against Aurora A and tyrosine kinases linked to the promotion of cancer and inflammatory diseases. ENMD-2076 has a unique combination of target activities including cell cycle inhibition (Aurora A), antiangiogenesis (VEGFR, FGFR, PDGFR), and antiproliferative (Flt-3, Src, c-Kit) kinase inhibition.

"Consistent with our strategy, we have been actively seeking partnership opportunities for our unique, orally-active, selective kinase inhibitor, ENMD-2076. The relationship with JSB-Partners will intensify our partnering activities for ENMD-2076, improving our speed and global outreach," commented Thomas H Bliss, EntreMed senior vice president, Corporate and Business Development. Bliss continued, "Based on the compound's strong preclinical anti-tumour activity, favourable safety profile, bioavailability, and multiple mechanisms of action, we believe that ENMD-2076 has significant therapeutic potential in a broad range of tumour types. ENMD-2076 represents an exciting clinical-stage opportunity for the right partner."

JSB-Partners is a global transaction advisory firm with a proven history in creating value for its clients. The partners' broad life science and medical backgrounds also include deep and diverse expertise in financial, commercial, and strategic business transactions at the global level.

EntreMed is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing therapeutic candidates primarily for the treatment of cancer and inflammation.