Full Press Release Details
Can-Fite Issued Japanese Patent
for CF102 in the Treatment of Liver Regeneration and Function Following Surgery
In preclinical studies, CF102
induces hepatocyte proliferation resulting in improved liver status
PETACH TIKVA, Israel, September 5, 2014 -- Can-Fite
BioPharma Ltd. (NYSE MKT: CANF) (TASE: CFBI), a biotechnology company advancing a pipeline of proprietary small molecule drugs
that address cancer and inflammatory diseases, today announced the issuance of Patent No. 2010-529501, titled, "Method for
inducing hepatocyte proliferation and uses thereof," by the Japanese Patent Office. The patent covers Can-Fite's clinical
stage drug candidate, CF102, in the treatment of liver regeneration and function following liver surgery or other injury via inhibition
of pro-apoptotic proteins, resulting in liver repair. A European Patent (No. 2227234) for this technology was issued earlier this
year in the European Union.
"This patent further expands
our worldwide patent portfolio," stated Dr. Pnina Fishman, CEO of Can-Fite. "In preclinical studies, CF102 induces
proliferation of hepatocytes following liver resection (surgery), increases liver weight and reduces elevated levels of serum liver
enzymes, reflecting improved liver status. In patients with preexisting liver diseases, such as cirrhosis or cancer, normal hepatocellular
proliferation following injury is impaired, exposing patients to liver dysfunction and associated complications that can lead to
liver failure and death. We believe that the use of CF102 to induce proliferation of hepatocytes in liver cancer patients following
surgery may provide important health benefits and prolong survival."
Can-Fite currently has an out-licensing agreement with
Seikagaku Corporation, which has licensed the rights to develop Can-Fite's investigational drug candidate, CF101, for the
treatment of autoimmune inflammatory indications in Japan. The agreement is worth up to $20 million in upfront, milestone and annual
payments for Can-Fite, plus up to 12% in royalties. Can-Fite has received $7.5 million to date.
Can-Fite's intellectual property portfolio consists
of 150 issued and pending patents worldwide. Additional patents relating to induction of hepatocyte proliferation and uses thereof
are pending in several other markets, including the United States and Israel.
CF102 is a small orally bioavailable
drug that binds with high affinity and selectivity to the A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR). A3AR is highly expressed in tumor cells
whereas low expression is found in normal cells. This differential effect accounts for the excellent safety profile of the drug.
In Can-Fite's pre-clinical and clinical studies, CF102 has demonstrated a robust anti-tumor effect via deregulation of the
Wnt signaling pathway, resulting in apoptosis of liver cancer cells. CF102 is in Phase II clinical trials for the treatment of
liver cancer in the U.S., Israel, and Europe. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has agreed with Can-Fite's Phase II
study protocol and had previously granted Can-Fite Orphan Drug Designation for CF102 in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma,
the most common form of liver cancer.
About Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd.
Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (NYSE MKT: CANF) (TASE: CFBI)
is an advanced clinical stage drug development company with a platform technology that is designed to address multi-billion dollar
markets in the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases. The Company's CF101 is in Phase II/III trials for the treatment
of psoriasis and the Company is preparing for a Phase III CF101 trial for rheumatoid arthritis. Can-Fite's liver cancer drug
CF102 is commencing Phase II trials and has been granted Orphan Drug Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. CF102
has also shown proof of concept to potentially treat other cancers including colon, prostate, and melanoma. These drugs have an
excellent safety profile with experience in over 1,200 patients in clinical studies to date. For more information, please visit:
Forward-Looking Statements
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forward-looking statements, about Can-Fite's expectations, beliefs or intentions regarding, among other things, its product development
efforts, business, financial condition, results of operations, strategies or prospects. In addition, from time to time, Can-Fite
or its representatives have made or may make forward-looking statements, orally or in writing. Forward-looking statements can
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press releases or oral statements made by or with the approval of one of Can-Fite's authorized executive officers. Forward-looking
statements relate to anticipated or expected events, activities, trends or results as of the date they are made. Because forward-looking
statements relate to matters that have not yet occurred, these statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties that
could cause Can-Fite's actual results to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking
statements. Many factors could cause Can-Fite's actual activities or results to differ materially from the activities and results
anticipated in such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the factors summarized in Can-Fite's filings with
the SEC and in its periodic filings with the TASE. In addition, Can-Fite operates in an industry sector where securities values
are highly volatile and may be influenced by economic and other factors beyond its control. Can-Fite does not undertake any obligation
to publicly update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.