Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd., a biotechnology company advancing a pipeline of proprietary small-molecule drugs for oncological and inflammatory diseases, today announced that, it has raised $175 million in funding to date. These funds have enabled the advancement of its lead drug candidates, Namodenoson and Piclidenoson, into pivotal Phase III studies for liver cancer and psoriasis, respectively.

Can-Fite is a recognized leader in the development of small-molecule therapeutics targeting the A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR), which is highly expressed in both inflammatory and cancer cells. Namodenoson, an orally bioavailable A3AR agonist, is currently enrolling patients in a pivotal Phase III study for advanced liver cancer. It has demonstrated selective targeting of liver and pancreatic tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue. Piclidenoson, also an orally administered A3AR agonist, is in a pivotal Phase III trial for patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis.

Both candidates have shown favorable safety profiles, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, and promising efficacy in previous Phase II trials. Cumulative funding has also supported drug manufacturing, regulatory activities with the FDA and EMA, and the development of a broad patent portfolio providing extensive intellectual property protection.

In addition to its lead programs, Can-Fite is conducting a Phase IIa study of Namodenoson in pancreatic cancer, following successful preclinical studies demonstrating its ability to inhibit tumor growth by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin, NF-κB, and RAS signaling pathways. A Phase IIb trial in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is also underway under an open IND with the FDA, leveraging Namodenoson’s hepatoprotective effects.

To date, Can-Fite has signed seven commercialization agreements with strategic partners for the future marketing of its drug candidates upon regulatory approval. Can-Fite continues to engage with potential partners and seeks to sign additional commercialization agreements in the future.

Motti Farbstein, CEO of Can-Fite, commented: "This funding milestone reflects the strong confidence our investors and partners have in Can-Fite’s scientific platform and clinical strategy. Progressing into pivotal Phase III trials marks a significant step toward bringing innovative, oral therapies to patients with serious unmet needs in liver cancer and psoriasis."