16th June, 2021—Can-Fite
BioPharma Ltd. today announced the Chinese National
Intellectual Property Administration has issued a Notice of Allowance for its patent titled “An A3 Adenosine Receptor Ligand For Use
In Treating Ectopic Fat Accumulation”. This patent addresses the use of the A3
Adenosine Receptor (A3AR) ligand, the target receptor for Can-Fite’s drug
platform technology, to reduce liver fat particularly in patients with
non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
Can-Fite
expects to commence a Phase IIb study for its liver drug candidate Namodenoson
in the treatment of NASH in Q3 2021 based on a successfully concluded Phase IIa
study in which Namodenoson was shown to reduce liver fat content and inhibit
fibrosis.
Namodenoson has
been out licensed for the treatment of NASH in China and is part of a deal
worth up to $74.5 million in milestone payments plus double-digit royalties.
The treatment market for NASH in China is projected to reach $6.4 billion by
2027 driven by increasing rates of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes.
“As we prepare to commence enrollment next quarter for our Phase IIb
study of Namodenoson in the treatment of NASH, we are very pleased to build our
patent estate around our technology in this high-value indication. This latest
NASH patent adds to those already issued in the U.S., Europe, and South Korea,”
stated Can-Fite CEO Dr. Pnina Fishman.
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