Can-Fite expands IP for NASH, gets patent allowance in Canada

Can-Fite BioPharma announced it received a Notice of Allowance from the Canadian Intellectual Property Office for its patent application titled “An A3 Adenosine Receptor Ligand For Use In Treating Ectopic Fat Accumulation”. This invention addresses the use of Namodenoson for the reduction of liver fat in patients with NASH a clinical indication that is being developed by Can-Fite. In a successfully concluded Phase IIa study, Namodenoson, one of the Company’s two drugs in advanced clinical development, reduced liver fat content, showed anti-inflammatory effects manifested by a significant decrease in the liver enzymes ALT & AST, and decreased body weight in patients with NASH. A Company-sponsored study for Namodenoson for this indication is currently enrolling patients for a Phase IIb study which will include 140 patients, in whom liver pathology is the primary endpoint. Can-Fite’s Namodenoson, is currently out-licensed for the treatment of NASH to the Swiss company Ewopharma for territories in Eastern Europe, to CMS China for the territories of China, HK and Macau, and to the South Korean company CKD for the territory of South Korea. The Company also has a distribution agreement in Canada for its anti-inflammatory drug, Piclidenoson, for the treatment of psoriasis.