On June 5, 2024 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 an update on the status of its oncological lead drug candidate, Namodenoson in the treatment of advanced liver cancer (Press release, Can-Fite BioPharma, JUN 5, 2024, View Source [SID1234644121]). The Phase 3 pivotal study, now has 31 recruiting medical centers in Europe, Israel and the US. Namodenoson has Orphan Drug status with both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency, as well as Fast Track Status with the FDA. A compassionate use program has also been ongoing in Israel and Romania.
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In the former Phase 2 study, conducted in patients with advanced liver cancer, Namodenoson prolonged survival, patients had good quality of life, and in two patients, clearance of peritoneal carcinomas have been reported. In addition, one patient had a long term complete response of more than 7 years.
Liver cancer designated as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a major global health problem due to its incidence, associated mortality, and lack of effective treatment modalities, particularly for patients with advanced hepatic dysfunction known as disease stage Child Pugh B. According to the American Cancer Society, liver cancer accounts for more than 700,000 deaths globally each year. HCC is commonly aggressive with poor survival rates. The market for HCC treatments is estimated by Delveinsight to reach $3.8 billion by 2027 for the G8 countries.
The current double blind, placebo-controlled trial, known as LIVERATION, will enroll 450 patients diagnosed with advanced liver cancer (hepato-cellular carcinoma) and underlying Child Pugh B7 (CPB7) cirrhosis. Patients will be randomized to oral treatment with either 25 mg of Namodenoson or a matching placebo, in a ratio of 2:1 given twice daily as a second- or third-line treatment. The primary efficacy endpoint of the trial is overall survival. Other oncology trial efficacy outcomes, such as tumor radiographic response rates and median progression-free survival, as well as standard safety parameters, will also be assessed. An interim analysis will be conducted by an Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC) after 50% of enrolled patients are treated.
About Namodenoson
Namodenoson is a small orally bioavailable drug that binds with high affinity and selectivity to the A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR). Namodenoson was evaluated in Phase II trials for two indications, as a second line treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma, and as a treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). A3AR is highly expressed in diseased cells whereas low expression is found in normal cells. This differential effect accounts for the excellent safety profile of the drug.