Benzinga | Oct 28, 2021 07:51AM EDT

Can-Fite's NASH Patents Granted And Allowed In Japan, Hong Kong, And Mexico

Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (NYSE:CANF) (TASE: CFBI), a biotechnology company advancing a pipeline of proprietary small molecule drugs that address inflammatory, cancer and liver diseases, today announced that its patent titled "An A3 Adenosine Receptor Ligand For Use In Treating Ectopic Fat Accumulation" has been granted in Hong Kong and Mexico, and has received a notice of allowance in Japan. This patent addresses the use of the A3 Adenosine Receptor (A3AR) ligand, the target receptor for Can-Fite's drug platform technology, for ectopic fat accumulation particularly in fatty liver as manifested in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a market estimated to reach $35 billion by 2025.

Can-Fite's Namodenoson completed a Phase IIa study in NASH which met its primary endpoint, and a Phase IIb study is underway.

"Our NASH-related patents are an important part of Can-Fite's robust IP estate which spans 15 patent families. As we advance Namodenoson through clinical trials in NASH, which still lacks an FDA approved treatment, the IP strengthens our position with future distribution and development partners worldwide," stated Can-Fite CEO Dr. Pnina Fishman.

Can-Fite has out-licensed Namodenoson for the indication of NASH in Eastern Europe, South Korea, and China. The Company has received approximately $20 million in non-dilutive upfront and milestone payments to date across all its indications.