Throughout its many years of operation, Can-Fite Biopha (NYSEAMERICAN:CANF) has been addressing multi-billion dollar markets. Its primary target has been the advancement of cancer treatments, inflammatory diseases, and, most recently, COVID-19. A majority of the company’s drugs have demonstrated an excellent safety profile, having been used in over 1,500 patients in clinical studies to date.
Can-Fite continues to count its milestones after receiving a notification of its intent to grant a patent for Namodenoson in the Treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) from the European Patent Office. The patent was justified by a strong safety profile demonstrated by Namodenoson and the fact that it also met in the Treatment of NASH and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Licensing and Distribution Agreements for Namodenoson
NAFLD and NASH are some of the heaviest disease burdens in Europe today. Epidemiology studies indicate that the two’s dominance stands between 29-37% and 16-45%, respectively, among the general population. This is a worrisome situation, indeed. Having completed a Phase II study and with the patent notification, Dr. Pnina Fishman, the CEO of Can-Fite BioPharma, says that it is the high time looked for potential distribution partners.
The Israeli-based company has been collaborating with some of the largest researchers from the US NIH and also from the Leiden University in the Netherlands. Meanwhile, patents for Namodenoson will be in Korea and the US. Can-Fite has also received licensing and distribution agreements for Namodenoson in China.
The Licensing of Piclidenoson for the Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases
Piclidenoson (CF101) is an oral drug and has undergone successful testing in animal models. The drug has been indicated as a disease-modifying anti-inflammatory drug in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients from two Phase II studies. The says it has dosed over 1,400 patients with the drug in prior trials, and after a 28-day study with 40 patients on board, Piclidenoson has been cleared for a Phase II study in the Treatment of COVID-19.
This is a pilot trial in a population of hospitalized patients and will be assessing efficacy through standard measures of clinical and respiratory status. The drug is expected to be an ideal candidate in treating the complications of COVID-19, given its unique combination of anti-inflammatory effect.
