Can-Fite to begin development program of next generation drug CF602

Upon successful completion, the company intends to file an IND with the FDA to allow human Phase I studies.

Can-Fite reports today that it received positive pre-clinical data conducted in experimental animal models demonstrating that CF602 has improved sexual dysfunction in a dose dependent manner. CF602 is a novel A3 adenosine receptor allosteric modulator, enhancing the affinity of the natural ligand adenosine to its A3 adenosine receptor.

Since adenosine accumulates in the microenvironment of the pathological cells, CF602 effect is a differential one and is believed not to affect normal body cells and tissues.

The mechanism of action related to the improvement of sexual dysfunction stems out of the fact that adenosine, like nitric oxide, is a potent and short-lived vasorelaxant that functions via cAMP signaling to promote smooth muscle relaxation and penile erection.

Can-Fite has a strong intellectual property position which includes an issued "composition of matter" patent and other pending patent applications protecting the use for sexual dysfunction. GlobalData estimates the value of the erectile dysfunction therapeutic market to be approximately $2.7 billion with few drugs in the market which include Viagra, Cialis and Levitra.

Can-Fite CEO Pnina Fishman, Ph.D., commented, "We are very pleased with the new data supporting our decision to initiate the pre-clinical development of CF602 with a view to commencing Phase I human clinical studies. Our recent fundraising enables us to move forward in our development of this important and unique drug candidate."