Ramat Gan, Israel, July 14, 2026
Can-Fite BioPharma announced that the Australian Patent Office has allowed Patent Application No. 2021290439, titled “Treatment of Advanced Metastatic Cancer,” further strengthening the company’s global intellectual property portfolio for Namodenoson. The patent supports the development and future commercialization of the investigational therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and pancreatic cancer, reinforcing Can-Fite’s expanding oncology franchise in a key international market.
Patent Supports Ongoing Phase 3 and Planned Phase 2b Development
Namodenoson is currently being evaluated in a pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma following protocol agreement with both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). In pancreatic cancer, the investigational therapy recently completed a Phase 2a clinical study that demonstrated a favorable safety profile, encouraging survival outcomes, and durable disease stabilization. Based on these findings, Can-Fite plans to initiate a Phase 2b trial evaluating Namodenoson in combination with gemcitabine for pancreatic cancer.
Targeted Mechanism Designed to Selectively Eliminate Cancer Cells
Namodenoson is an orally available small molecule that selectively targets the A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR), which is highly expressed in cancerous and inflammatory cells while remaining minimally expressed in healthy tissue. Activation of A3AR has been shown to promote tumor cell apoptosis while sparing normal cells, contributing to the therapy’s favorable safety profile observed across clinical studies. The company believes this targeted mechanism offers the potential for effective cancer treatment with reduced toxicity.
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Broader Development Program Extends Beyond Oncology
Beyond its oncology programs, Namodenoson is also advancing in a Phase 2b clinical trial for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). The therapy has received Orphan Drug Designation in both the United States and Europe, along with FDA Fast Track Designation for second-line treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Can-Fite also continues to explore Namodenoson’s potential in additional tumor types, including colon, prostate, and melanoma, while expanding its global intellectual property estate to support long-term commercialization.
Source: Can-Fite BioPharma press release
