Full Press Release Details
Can-Fite to Submit IND for the Treatment
of Pancreatic Cancer Patients with Namodenoson
Namodenoson's robust effect
reached 90% inhibition of pancreatic cancer growth in pre-clinical studies
PETACH TIKVA, Israel,
June 13, 2023 -- Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (NYSE American: CANF) (TASE: CANF), a biotechnology company
advancing a pipeline of proprietary small molecule drugs that address oncology, inflammatory, and liver diseases, today announced that
it is doing all the preparatory work for an FDA Investigational New Drug (IND) submission for the treatment of pancreatic carcinoma with
Pre-clinical studies demonstrate a robust dose
dependent anti-proliferative effect of Namodenoson on pancreatic carcinoma cells originating from both male and female patients, reaching
90% growth inhibition.
An open-label Phase 2 exploratory trial to assess
the safety and efficacy of Namodenoson in the treatment of patients with pancreatic cancer who have received at least one previous systemic
therapy will be initiated. The study will enroll patients in Israel at the Rabin Medical Center and will be conducted by Dr. Salomon Stemmer,
an oncology key opinion leader and Professor at the Institute of Oncology, Rabin Medical Center, Israel. Patients will receive Namodenoson
at a dose of 25 mg orally, twice daily. Study endpoints will include safety, objective response, progression-free survival, duration of
response, disease control (defined as an objective response or stable disease), and overall survival.
The IND submission will cross reference all the data previously shared
with the FDA related to the development of Namodenoson for the treatment of advanced liver cancer. Can-Fite is currently enrolling patients
in a pivotal Phase 3 study in hepatocellular carcinoma, in agreement with both the FDA and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
"We are making progress towards Namodenoson's
first clinical trial in pancreatic carcinoma. Once this study is underway, Can-Fite's pipeline will include two oncology indications
with Namodenoson in clinical trials. We hope our oral anti-cancer drug, with its good safety and robust anticancer effect, will help and
support patients with this devastating disease," stated Can-Fite CEO Dr. Pnina Fishman.
The highest incidence
rates for pancreatic cancer are in Asia, Europe, and North America. According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), in
2020, an estimated 496,000 people were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer globally and an estimated 466,000 died from the disease. The 5-year
survival rate for people with pancreatic cancer in the U.S. is 11%. Acumen Research estimates the
global pancreatic cancer therapeutics market was valued at approximately $3.6 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow to approximately
$6.6 billion by 2030.
Namodenoson was evaluated in Phase 2 trials for
two indications, as a second line treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and as a treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
(NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). It is currently in a Phase 2b trial for NASH, a pivotal Phase 3 for HCC, and is headed
into a Phase 2a for pancreatic cancer. Namodenoson is a small orally bioavailable drug that binds with high affinity and selectivity to
the A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR). A3AR is highly expressed in diseased cells whereas low expression is found in normal cells. This differential
effect accounts for the excellent safety profile of the drug.
About Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd.
Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (NYSE American: CANF)
(TASE: CANF) 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, liver, and inflammatory disease. The Company's anti-inflammatory drug, Piclidenoson reported
topline results in a Phase 3 trial for psoriasis and is expected to commence a pivotal Phase 3. Can-Fite's cancer and liver drug, Namodenoson,
is being evaluated in a Phase 2b trial for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a Phase 3 trial for hepatocellular carcinoma
(HCC) is enrolling patients, and the Company is planning a Phase 2a study in pancreatic cancer. Namodenoson has been granted Orphan Drug
Designation in the U.S. and Europe and Fast Track Designation as a second line treatment for HCC by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Namodenoson has also shown proof of concept to potentially treat other cancers including colon, prostate, and melanoma. CF602, the Company's
third drug candidate, has shown efficacy in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. These drugs have an excellent safety profile with experience
in over 1,500 patients in clinical studies to date. For more information please visit: www.can-fite.com.
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to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include, among other things, our history of losses and
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trials and other product candidate development efforts; our ability to advance our product candidates into clinical trials or to successfully
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ability to establish and maintain strategic partnerships and other corporate collaborations; the implementation of our business model
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of others; competitive companies, technologies and our industry; risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine;
risks related to not satisfying the continued listing requirements of NYSE American; and statements as to the impact of the political
and security situation in Israel on our business. More information on these risks, uncertainties and other factors is included from time
to time in the "Risk Factors" section of Can-Fite's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on March 30, 2023
and other public reports filed with the SEC and in its periodic filings with the TASE. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned
not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Can-Fite undertakes no obligation
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except as may be required by any applicable securities laws.