Pharmaceutical Business review

Can-Fite licenses arthritis drug to Kwang Dong Pharmaceutical

CF101, Can-Fite’s lead drug, is currently being tested in multi-national Phase IIb study for its therapeutic activity in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and in two Phase IIa studies – one for the treatment of psoriasis and the other for dry eye syndrome.

In accordance with the memorandum of understanding (MoU), the two companies intend to proceed toward signing a definitive license agreement by November 1, 2008.

The terms of the license, as specified in the MoU, will include an upfront payment as well as milestone payments to Can-Fite in an aggregate amount of $1.5 million, and royalties on sales. Additionally, as stipulated in the MoU, Kwang Dong will also purchase equity in Can-Fite in an amount representing 1% of Can-Fite’s outstanding share capital at a premium of 50% above market price.

Pnina Fishman, CEO of Can-Fite, said: “Can-Fite will be very pleased to enter into a long-term mutually beneficial relationship with Kwang Dong. We are most honored that such a reputable company has decided to enter into an agreement with us, after having conducted due diligence that convinced them of the potentially large therapeutic benefits of CF101.”