Can-Fite To Initiate Phase IIb NASH Study with its Drug Candidate Namodenoson
Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd (NYSE American: CANF) received clearance from the Israeli Ministry of Health to initiate a Phase IIb study of its drug candidate Namodenoson for treating NASH. Enrollment is expected to start in Q3 2021, earlier than previously anticipated. The study aims to assess Namodenoson's efficacy in 140 subjects, comparing its effects against a placebo over 36 weeks. Given the urgent unmet medical need for NASH treatments, the market for NASH pharmaceuticals could reach $35-40 billion by 2025.
- Received clearance to begin Phase IIb study of Namodenoson for NASH treatment.
- Enrollment in the study is expected ahead of schedule (Q3 2021 vs Q4 2021).
- Previous Phase IIa trial demonstrated positive effects on anti-steatosis and anti-inflammation.
- None.
Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (NYSE American: CANF) (TASE:CFBI), a biotechnology company advancing a pipeline of proprietary small molecule drugs that address inflammatory, cancer and liver diseases, today announced it has received clearance from the Israeli Ministry of Health to commence a Phase IIb study of its drug candidate Namodenoson in the treatment of NASH. Can-Fite expects to commence enrollment in Q3 2021, ahead of the prior expected start date of Q4 2021. The Company expects to expand the study at additional clinical sites in Europe. A prior Phase IIa clinical trial of Namodenoson in the treatment of NASH met study endpoints showing anti-steatotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic effects.
The Phase IIb trial is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in subjects with biopsy-confirmed NASH. The primary efficacy objective of the trial is to evaluate the efficacy of Namodenoson as compared to placebo in 140 subjects with NASH, as determined by a histological endpoint. Eligible subjects will be randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to oral doses of Namodenoson 25 mg every 12 hours or a matching placebo every 12 hours for 36 weeks.
“We are very pleased to receive the Israeli Ministry of Health’s approval to proceed with our Phase IIb NASH study. Namodenoson has the potential to offer a safe and effective treatment for NASH with the aim of reducing liver transplants and improving quality of life and longevity for patients,” stated Can-Fite CEO Dr. Pnina Fishman.
NASH is a clear and urgent unmet medical need, as there currently is no U.S. approved drug to treat the disease. As of 2016, NASH was the leading cause for liver transplants among women and second leading cause for liver transplants overall. NASH is expected to become the leading indication for liver transplants in males as well. The NIH estimates the incidence of NASH in the U.S. at 2
About Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd.
Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (NYSE American: 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, liver, inflammatory disease and COVID-19. The Company's lead drug candidate, Piclidenoson, is currently in a Phase III trial for psoriasis and a Phase II study in the treatment of moderate COVID-19. Can-Fite's liver drug, Namodenoson, is headed into a Phase III trial for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer, and successfully achieved its primary endpoint in a Phase II trial for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). 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.
Forward-Looking Statements
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FAQ
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What is NASH and why is it critical?
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