Can-Fite Reports 2023 Financial Results and Clinical Update
- Ewopharma acquired marketing rights for Namodenoson in the treatment of pancreatic carcinoma.
- Can-Fite signed an out licensing agreement with Ewopharma for exclusive distribution of Piclidenoson and Namodenoson in CEE countries.
- Can-Fite received a Notice of Allowance for its patent application in Canada for the use of Namodenoson in treating NASH.
- Positive data from the COMFORT-1 Phase III Psoriasis study for Piclidenoson was published in a top scientific journal.
- Financially, Can-Fite reported a decrease in revenues but a decrease in net loss for the year ended December 31, 2023.
- Revenues decreased by 8.6% compared to the previous year.
- Research and development expenses decreased by 22.9% compared to the previous year.
- General and administrative expenses decreased by 6.05% compared to the previous year.
- Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $7.63 million compared to $10.17 million for the same period in 2022.
- Cash and cash equivalents increased to $8.90 million compared to $7.98 million at December 31, 2022.
Insights
The announcement that Ewopharma acquired marketing rights for Namodenoson in the treatment of pancreatic carcinoma from Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. represents a strategic move for both companies. From a financial perspective, the upfront payment of US$2.25 million, alongside potential additional payments totaling US$40.45 million based on regulatory and sales milestones, plus royalties, suggests a significant revenue opportunity for Can-Fite. The deal extends the existing agreement, which already includes other drugs and indications, indicating a deepening partnership and potential for expanded market reach in Central Eastern European countries.
The financial results for Can-Fite, showing a decrease in revenues and a reduction in R&D and G&A expenses, reflect a tightening of operational focus and cost management. The reported net loss decrease is a positive sign for investors, indicating improved financial health. However, it's important to note that the company's future financial performance is heavily dependent on the successful commercialization of its drugs and the realization of milestone payments from partnerships like that with Ewopharma.
Investors should monitor the progress of the ongoing clinical trials and regulatory approvals, as these will be critical in determining the company's ability to generate future revenue streams from its drug candidates. The cash position of $8.90 million as of December 31, 2023, provides some runway for ongoing operations, but additional financing may be needed depending on the pace and success of clinical developments and commercialization efforts.
The expansion of Ewopharma's marketing rights to include Namodenoson for pancreatic carcinoma is a significant development in Can-Fite's clinical pipeline. Pancreatic carcinoma is a notoriously difficult cancer to treat and new therapeutic options are in high demand. Namodenoson's Phase IIa study results, showing reduction in liver fat, anti-inflammatory effects and weight loss in NASH patients, suggest that its mechanism of action as an A3 Adenosine Receptor Ligand could offer therapeutic benefits in a range of conditions.
The intellectual property expansion with the patent allowance in Canada for Namodenoson's use in treating ectopic fat accumulation further strengthens Can-Fite's position in the NASH treatment landscape. This is particularly relevant given the current lack of FDA-approved treatments for NASH, making it a high-potential market. The ongoing Phase IIb study for Namodenoson in NASH, with liver pathology as the primary endpoint, will be critical in determining the drug's efficacy and safety profile.
For Piclidenoson, the publication of positive Phase III trial results in a high-impact scientific journal not only validates the drug's potential but also raises its profile among healthcare professionals and potential partners. The continuation of the COMFORT-2 pivotal Phase III study, with regulatory approval from both the FDA and EMA, is a key milestone to watch, as success here could pave the way for commercialization in the lucrative psoriasis market.
The strategic partnership between Can-Fite and Ewopharma, particularly in the context of expanding marketing rights for Namodenoson, highlights the importance of market access and distribution networks in the pharmaceutical industry. The focus on Central Eastern European markets is notable, as these regions often present untapped potential compared to saturated Western markets. Ewopharma's established presence in these territories could facilitate faster market penetration and adoption of Can-Fite's drug candidates upon approval.
The broader implications for the industry include the ongoing trend of biotech companies entering into licensing and distribution agreements to leverage the strengths of regional partners. Such collaborations can significantly reduce the commercialization risks and costs for smaller biotechs, allowing them to focus resources on research and development. The potential for Can-Fite's pipeline, particularly in areas like oncology and inflammatory diseases, aligns with the increasing global demand for new treatments in these therapeutic areas.
Understanding the competitive landscape, particularly in the NASH and psoriasis markets, will be important for assessing Can-Fite's commercial prospects. The company's success will hinge on its ability to differentiate its products and demonstrate clear advantages over existing therapies, which will be key drivers of adoption and market share acquisition.
Ewopharma acquired marketing rights for namodenoson in the treatment of pancreatic carcinoma
RAMAT GAN,
Recent Clinical & Development Milestones Achieved
Namodenoson Drug Candidate:
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Ewopharma recently acquired marketing rights for Namodenoson in the treatment of pancreatic carcinoma
This adds up to an out licensing agreement that Can-Fite signed withSwitzerland -based Ewopharma in 2021, for exclusive distribution of both Piclidenoson and Namodenoson in Central Eastern European (CEE) countries (Piclidenoson for the treatment of psoriasis and Namodenoson for the treatment of liver cancer and NASH). Under the terms of the distribution agreement, Ewopharma AG paid Can-Fite an upfront payment ofUS with up to an additional$2.25 million US , payable upon the achievement of regulatory and sales milestones, plus$40.45 million 17.5% royalties on net sales. Recently, Ewopharma AG exercised its right to expand the distribution agreement to include the indication of pancreatic cancer and the transaction terms of the distribution agreement are applicable to such indication. -
Can-Fite Broadens its Strong Intellectual Property (IP) for NASH (MASH): Received Patent Allowance in
Canada
Can-Fite 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. Patent has already been issued in other major markets including theU.S. , EU,Japan andChina .
Piclidenoson Drug Candidate:
Positive Data from the COMFORT-1 Phase III Psoriasis Study Published in a Top Scientific Journal
The Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) published an article titled “Efficacy and safety of piclidenoson in plaque psoriasis: Results from a randomized phase 3 clinical trial (COMFORT-1)”. EADV is a top ranked peer reviewed journal (impact factor 9.2) that publishes articles on clinical and basic science topics in dermatology. The article’s first author, Dr. K.A Papp, is an internationally renowned key opinion leader in the psoriasis field and was the engine for some registered drugs on the market for this devastating skin disease. The EADV article presents the safety and efficacy of Piclidenoson in the randomized, placebo- and active-controlled, double-blind Phase III COMFORT-1 trial. As previously reported, the study met its primary endpoint which was the proportion of patients achieving ≥
“Our advanced-stage pipeline continues to achieve milestones, with Piclidenoson and Namodenoson both positioned as potentially safe and effective treatments for the oncological diseases liver cancer & pancreatic carcinoma and the inflammatory and metabolic diseases psoriasis and NASH. We anticipate additional clinical progress and new out licensing deals in this year,” stated Can-Fite CEO Motti Farbstein.
Financial Results
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023 were
Research and development expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 were
General and administrative expenses were
Financial income (expense), net for the year ended December 31, 2023 aggregated
Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2023 was
As of December 31, 2023, Can-Fite had cash and cash equivalents and short term deposits of
The Company's consolidated financial results for the year ended December 31, 2023 are presented in accordance with US GAAP Reporting Standards.
More detailed information can be found in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, a copy of which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Annual Report, which contains the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements, can be accessed on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov/ as well as via the Company’s investor relations website at https://ir.canfite.com. The Company will deliver a hard copy of its Annual Report, including its complete audited consolidated financial statements, free of charge, to its shareholders upon request to Can-Fite Investor Relations at 26 Ben Gurion Street, Ramat Gan, 5257346,
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
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December 31, |
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2023 |
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2022 |
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ASSETS |
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CURRENT ASSETS: |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
4,278 |
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$ |
2,978 |
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Short term deposits |
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4,625 |
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5,001 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
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986 |
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1,170 |
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Short-term investment |
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19 |
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8 |
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Total current assets |
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9,908 |
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9,157 |
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NON-CURRENT ASSETS: |
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Operating lease right of use assets |
52 |
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84 |
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Property, plant and equipment, net |
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29 |
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42 |
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Total non-current assets |
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81 |
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126 |
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Total assets |
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$ |
9,989 |
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$ |
9,283 |
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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
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December 31, |
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2023 |
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2022 |
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LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY |
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CURRENT LIABILITIES: |
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Trade payables |
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$ |
427 |
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$ |
896 |
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Current maturity of operating lease liability |
27 |
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48 |
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Deferred revenues |
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622 |
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783 |
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Other accounts payable |
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944 |
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775 |
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Total current liabilities |
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2,020 |
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2,502 |
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NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES: |
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Long - term operating lease liability |
13 |
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14 |
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Deferred revenues |
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1,713 |
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2,295 |
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Total long-term liabilities |
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1,726 |
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2,309 |
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CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND COMMITMENTS |
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SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY: |
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Ordinary shares of no-par value - Authorized: 5,000,000,000 shares at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022; Issued and outstanding: 1,359,837,393 and 815,746,293 shares as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 |
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- |
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- |
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Additional paid-in capital |
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163,597 |
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154,192 |
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Accumulated other comprehensive income |
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1,127 |
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1,127 |
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Accumulated deficit |
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(158,481 |
) |
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(150,847 |
) |
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Total shareholders’ equity |
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6,243 |
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4,472 |
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Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity |
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$ |
9,989 |
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$ |
9,283 |
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
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Year ended December 31, |
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2023 |
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2022 |
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Revenues |
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$ |
743 |
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$ |
810 |
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Research and development expenses |
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(5,983 |
) |
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(7,763 |
) |
General and administrative expenses |
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(2,955 |
) |
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(3,143 |
) |
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Operating loss |
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(8,195 |
) |
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(10,096 |
) |
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Total financial income (expense), net |
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561 |
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(77) |
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Net loss |
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(7,634 |
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(10,173 |
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Basic and diluted net loss per share |
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(0.01 |
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(0.01 |
) |
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share |
1,278,333,912 |
815,746,293 |
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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 lead drug candidate, Piclidenoson recently reported topline results in a Phase III trial for psoriasis and is expected to commence a pivotal Phase III. Can-Fite's cancer and liver drug, Namodenoson, is being evaluated in a Phase IIb trial for the treatment of steatotic liver disease (SLD), a Phase III pivotal trial for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the Company is planning a Phase IIa study in pancreatic cancer. Namodenoson has been granted Orphan Drug Designation in the
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain 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. All statements in this communication, other than those relating to historical facts, are “forward looking statements”. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “may,” “should” or “anticipate” or their negatives or other variations of these words or other comparable words or by the fact that these statements do not relate strictly to historical or current matters. 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 known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Can-Fite’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include, among other things, our history of losses and needs for additional capital to fund our operations and our inability to obtain additional capital on acceptable terms, or at all; uncertainties of cash flows and inability to meet working capital needs; the initiation, timing, progress and results of our preclinical studies, clinical trials and other product candidate development efforts; our ability to advance our product candidates into clinical trials or to successfully complete our preclinical studies or clinical trials; our receipt of regulatory approvals for our product candidates, and the timing of other regulatory filings and approvals; the clinical development, commercialization and market acceptance of our product candidates; our ability to establish and maintain strategic partnerships and other corporate collaborations; the implementation of our business model and strategic plans for our business and product candidates; the scope of protection we are able to establish and maintain for intellectual property rights covering our product candidates and our ability to operate our business without infringing the intellectual property rights of others; competitive companies, technologies and our industry; risks related to any resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war between
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240328586605/en/
Can-Fite BioPharma
Motti Farbstein
info@canfite.com
+972-3-9241114
Source: Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd.
FAQ
What company acquired marketing rights for Namodenoson in the treatment of pancreatic carcinoma?
What positive data was published for Piclidenoson in a Phase III Psoriasis study?
What was the net loss for Can-Fite for the year ended December 31, 2023?
What was the decrease in revenues for Can-Fite for the year ended December 31, 2023?
What was the decrease in research and development expenses for Can-Fite for the year ended December 31, 2023?
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