Can Fite BioPharma Ltd (CANF)

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Can-Fite: Submits FDA with an IND Application to Conduct Phase IIb Clinical Trial of Namodenoson in MASH Patients

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/fite-submits-fda-ind-application-110000607.html


Namodenoson demonstrated anti-fibrosis, anti-steatosis and anti-inflammatory effects in former Phase IIa study

Patient enrolment for Phase IIb study is ongoing in Europe and Israel

RAMAT GAN, Israel, April 03, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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, today announced submission of an investigational new drug (IND) application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), also known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), for the Company’s ongoing Phase IIb clinical study.

Can-Fite’s drug candidate, Namodenoson, has been shown to reduce hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis, as well as body weight reduction, in a Phase IIa clinical study where data have been already published in a peer scientific journal (Link to Manuscript). Currently Can-Fite is enrolling patients for a Phase IIb clinical study in Europe and in Israel and is seeking IND approval in order to include US patients in the ongoing study.

The Phase IIb trial is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in subjects with biopsy-confirmed MASH. The primary efficacy objective of the trial is to evaluate the efficacy of Namodenoson as compared to placebo in 140 subjects with MASH, as determined by a histological endpoint. Eligible subjects are randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to oral doses of Namodenoson 25 mg every 12 hours or a matching placebo for 36 weeks.

"We are eager to look at the therapeutic effect of Namodenoson in patients with MASH," said Motti Farbstein, chief executive officer of Can-Fite. "Prior human data showed that treatment with Namodenoson leads to significant anti-MASH effects. Namodenoson’s novel liver-protective mechanism of action provides a unique opportunity to potentially improve inflammation and reduce hepatic steatosis and fibrosis which may provide important therapeutic benefits for patients."

Rates of MASH are increasing in the United States in concert with increasing rates of obesity and diabetes and is estimated to affect 2-5% of adult Americans. By 2028, Vantage Market Research estimates the addressable pharmaceutical market for MASH will reach $21.9 billion in size. In March 2024, Madrigal Pharmaceuticals announced FDA approval of Rezdiffra (resmetirom) for the treatment of MASH with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis, potentially paving the way for more drugs that target this huge market.