On October 17, 2017 Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (NYSE American: CANF) (TASE:CFBI), a biotechnology company advancing a pipeline of proprietary small molecule drugs that address cancer, liver and inflammatory diseases, reported the Korean Intellectual Property Office has issued patent No. 10-1741281 titled, "Pharmaceutical Composition Comprising A3 Adenosine Receptor Agonist (IB-MECA/CF-101) For Treatment of Psoriasis" for the Company’s lead drug candidate Piclidenoson (CF101) in its psoriasis indication (Press release, Can-Fite BioPharma, OCT 17, 2017, View Source [SID1234520971]).
Can-Fite has two distribution agreements in Korea including one with Kwang Dong Pharmaceutical for Piclidenoson in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and another with Chong Kun Dang for Namodenoson in the treatment of liver cancer.
"Korea is an important market for us, as evidenced by the two distribution agreements we already have there. This patent may increase the value of a potential distribution deal in Korea for Piclidenoson in the treatment of psoriasis," stated Can-Fite CEO Dr. Pnina Fishman. "We believe Piclidenoson is a strong candidate for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis due to its excellent safety profile for long-term use and its favorable comparison with Otezla, the leading oral therapy currently on the market."
In an upcoming Phase III trial expected to commence in 2018, Piclidenoson, administered orally, will be investigated compared to placebo as its primary endpoint and as compared to apremilast (Otezla) as its secondary endpoint in approximately 400 patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. The psoriasis market is forecast to be $8.9 billion in 2018 and Otezla sales are estimated to be $2.35 billion by 2020.
About Piclidenoson (CF101)
Piclidenoson is a novel, first-in-class, A3 adenosine receptor agonist (A3AR) small molecule, orally bioavailable drug with a favorable therapeutic index demonstrated in Phase II clinical studies. Piclidenoson is currently under development for the treatment of autoimmune inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (completed Phase II) and psoriasis (completed Phase II/III).
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