On November 30, 2023 Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (NYSE American: CANF) (TASE: CANF), a biotechnology company advancing a pipeline of proprietary small molecule drugs that address oncological and inflammatory diseases, reported financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 (Press release, Can-Fite BioPharma, NOV 30, 2023, View Source [SID1234638063]).
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Clinical & Development Milestones Achieved
Namodenoson Drug Candidate:
Complete Response and 6.9 Year Survival Reported in Patient with Advanced Liver Cancer Treated with Namodenoson
A patient who had participated in Can-Fite’s prior Phase II liver cancer study who continues to receive treatment with Namodenoson under a compassionate use program now has overall survival of 6.9 years with the disappearance of ascites, normal liver function, and good quality of life, defined as a complete response. Enrollment is ongoing in Can-Fite’s pivotal Phase III study of Namodenoson in the treatment of advanced liver cancer. During the third quarter, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) selected Can-Fite for the prestigious Breakthrough Abstract Award from Conquer Cancer for its abstract titled "A novel approach for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)".
Pancreatic Carcinoma Phase IIa Study with Namodenoson is Underway
Namodenoson inhibited the growth of pancreatic carcinoma in a pre-clinical study through a mechanism that entails the Ras pathway. The Company continues to receive awards and recognition from leading cancer associations, and articles summarizing Namodenoson’s robust anti-cancer effect in pancreatic carcinoma have been published. The American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) accepted Can-Fite’s study titled "Namodenoson Inhibits the Growth of Pancreatic Carcinoma via De-regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway" for a poster presentation at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer. Biomolecules, a peer-reviewed scientific journal focused on the function and mechanism of bioactive molecules, published an article titled "Namodenoson Inhibits the Growth of Pancreatic Carcinoma via Deregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin, NF-κB, and RAS Signaling Pathways".
Piclidenoson Drug Candidate:
Entered Rare Genetic Disease Market with Treatment for Lowe Syndrome
In preclinical studies, Piclidenoson has been found to be effective in Lowe Syndrome, a rare genetic disease with no treatment available, and an estimated $100 million treatment market in the U.S. alone. Lowe Syndrome usually develops in the first year of life, causing brain abnormalities associated with intellectual disabilities and a life span shortened to less than 40 years. The discovery of Piclidenoson’s efficacy in Lowe Syndrome was made by researchers at the University of Naples Federico II and The Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine in Italy after testing thousands of compounds in search of a treatment. Can-Fite and Fondazione Telethon signed an agreement outlining their collaboration for the development of Piclidenoson for the treatment of Lowe Syndrome. As a rare genetic disease in dire need of a treatment, Lowe Syndrome may qualify for an accelerated approval path, and Can-Fite plans to move into an advanced stage clinical study in this indication.
Harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Identify and Accelerate New Oncology Programs:
Through an agreement with Collaborations Pharmaceuticals, Can-Fite is utilizing AI and machine learning (ML) to develop and bring to market next-generation A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) oncology drugs at a significantly reduced development time and cost. New molecules will be designed with high affinity and selectivity to A3AR, the target of Can-Fite’s platform technology.
"In addition to the several major value-driving milestones achieved during the third quarter, we continue to enroll and treat patients in our pivotal Phase III liver cancer study and Phase IIb study for NASH. Our pivotal Phase III study in psoriasis is expected to commence soon while we also prepare for a Phase IIa study in pancreatic cancer," stated Motti Farbstein, Can-Fite’s CEO and CFO. "We believe our advanced stage pipeline with multiple indications positions Can-Fite well for partnerships and for achieving regulatory and market success based on our robust portfolio."
Financial Results
Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 were $0.59 million compared to revenues of $0.61 million for the same period in 2022. Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022 comprised of recognition of a portion of advance payments received under distribution agreements with Gebro, CKD, Cipher and Ewopharma.
Research and development expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 were $4.71 million compared with $5.30 million for the same period in 2022. Research and development expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 comprised primarily of expenses associated with the completion of the Phase III study of Piclidenoson for the treatment of psoriasis and two ongoing studies for Namodenoson, a Phase III study in the treatment of advanced liver cancer and a Phase IIb study for NASH.
General and administrative expenses were $2.23 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to $2.31 million for the same period in 2022. The decrease is primarily due to the decrease in directors and officer’s insurance policy premium. We expect that general and administrative expenses will remain at the same level through 2023.
Financial income, net for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $0.38 million compared to financial expense, net of $0.14 million for the same period in 2022. The decrease in financial expense, net was mainly due to revaluation of our short-term investment and increase in interest income from deposits in 2023.
Net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $5.98 million compared with a net loss of $7.15 million for the same period in 2022. The decrease in net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was primarily attributable to the decrease in research and development expenses and in general and administrative expenses.
As of September 30, 2023, Can-Fite had cash and cash equivalents and short term deposits of $7.94 million as compared to $7.98 million at December 31, 2022. The decrease in cash during the nine months ended nine 30, 2023 is due to the ongoing operations of the Company which was offset by the Company’s fundraise during January 2023. During November 2023, Can-Fite raised approximately $3 million from the exercise of certain warrants.
The Company’s consolidated financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 are presented in accordance with US GAAP Reporting Standards.