Can-Fite’s CF101 Granted Patent in Japan for Intraocular Pressure a Key Cause of Glaucoma
? CF101’s Phase II glaucoma trial recently completed enrollment
? Glaucoma market is estimated to reach $3 billion by 2023
PETACH TIKVA, Israel, December 17, 2015 -- Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (NYSE MKT: CANF) (TASE:CFBI), a biotechnology company with a pipeline of proprietary small molecule drugs being developed to treat inflammatory diseases, cancer and sexual dysfunction, announced today that the Japan Patent Office has granted the Company a patent for its lead drug candidate CF101 for the reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) in a patent titled, "A3 adenosine receptor agonists for the reduction of intraocular pressure." CF101 is an A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) agonist that binds to A3AR, which is known to be over-expressed in inflammatory cells. Can-Fite has been granted a similar patent in the U.S. for IOP and has pending applications in other key global markets.
Can-Fite’s subsidiary OphthaliX (OTCQB: OPLI) is currently conducting a Phase II trial of CF101 for the treatment of glaucoma in Europe and Israel. Patient enrollment has been completed and top line results are expected in mid-2016.
Increased pressure in the eye, or IOP, is a leading cause of glaucoma, which can damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss. While most glaucoma drugs currently on the market are generic eye drops, CF101 is one of only a few oral drugs in development for the treatment of this disease. An estimated 3 million Americans have glaucoma. The treatment market for glaucoma in the seven major markets was estimated to be $2.4 billion in 2013 and is estimated to reach approximately $3 billion by 2023 according to GlobalData.
“We are building our intellectual property assets for CF101 in the treatment of glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness. There is no cure for the disease and we believe our treatment alternative would offer benefits including oral administration and an excellent safety profile. Through a Phase II trial, we are advancing CF101 for this important indication,” stated Can-Fite CEO Dr. Pnina Fishman.
About CF101
CF101, an A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) agonist, is a novel, first in class small molecule orally bioavailable drug which binds with high affinity and selectivity to the A3AR, which is known to be over-expressed in inflammatory cells. The drug acts as a neuro-protective agent and prevents apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells.
