Recognition of the American Society of Clinical Oncology of the Liver Protective Effect of Can-Fite’s Anti-Cancer Drug Namodenoson


Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. recently announced that its work titled The Liver Protective Effect of the Anti-Cancer Drug Candidate Namodenoson is Mediated via Adiponectin will be presented at the 2025 ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium to take place at San Francisco & On Line, January 23-25.

Currently, Namodenoson is being evaluated in a pivotal Phase 3 multinational registrational trial for the treatment of advanced liver cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma; HCC). Interestingly, Namodenoson has also completely cleared cancer in an HCC patient who was enrolled in Can-Fite’s Phase 2b HCC trial. The patient continues to be treated through a compassionate use program in Romania, where she remains cancer-free for more than 8 years following her first dose of Namodenoson.

The uniqueness of Namodenoson is that beyond its anti-cancer activity, it also induces a liver-protective effect. The latter is manifested by anti-steatosis, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and anti-ischemic effects in the liver. Can-Fite researchers also found that the molecular mechanism of the protective effect is mediated via adiponectin protein, a positive cytokine released by adipocytes and endothelial cells in the body, known to induce liver-, cardio-, and neuro-protective effects.

Namodenoson has received significant acknowledgment in the scientific and medical communities, as evidenced by the numerous peer-reviewed publications and conferences, in which it has been published and presented.

“Our Phase 3 registrational trial is designed to treat patients who have tried, yet not benefitted from the few other FDA-approved HCC treatments on the market today. In distinction from these drugs which induce liver toxicity on top of their anti-cancer effect, Namodenoson has the advantage of having a liver-protective effect and therefore can be administered to patients with advanced disease,” stated Can-Fite CSO & Chairperson Dr. Pnina Fishman. We are hopeful that Namodenoson, with its liver-protective properties, can safely prolong life for advanced liver cancer patients.”

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.

Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (NYSE American: CANF) (TASE: CANF) is an advanced clinical stage drug development Company with a platform technology that is designed to address multi-billion dollar markets in the treatment of cancer, liver, and inflammatory disease. The Company’s lead drug candidate, Piclidenoson recently reported topline results in a Phase III trial for psoriasis. Can-Fite’s liver drug, Namodenoson, is being evaluated in a Phase IIb trial for the treatment of MASH a Phase III trial for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the Company is planning a Phase IIa study in pancreatic cancer. Namodenoson has been granted Orphan Drug Designation in the U.S. and Europe and Fast Track Designation as a second line treatment for HCC by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Namodenoson has also shown proof of concept to potentially treat other cancers including colon, prostate, and melanoma. CF602, the Company’s third drug candidate, has shown efficacy in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. These drugs have an excellent safety profile with experience in over 1,600 patients in clinical studies to date. For more information please visit: https://www.canfite.com/.