Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. announced that a patient who participated in the Phase II Liver Cancer Study and was treated with namodenoson has a complete response and overall survival of 6.9 years (82.8 months). Liver Cancer designated as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a major global health problem due to its incidence, associated mortality, and lack of effective treatment modalities, particularly for patients with advanced hepatic dysfunction known as disease stage Child Pugh B. A patient with advanced HCC that was enrolled in the former Can-Fite Phase II study continues to receive treatment with namodenoson and has now an overall survival of 6.9 years with the disappearance of ascites, normal liver function, and good quality of life and defined as a complete response. Can-Fite has received agreement from both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) on a pivotal Phase III clinical study which is now enrolling patients in Israel, Europe and the US.

Namodenoson has Orphan Drug status with both the FDA and EMA, as well as Fast Track Status with the FDA for the treatment of HCC. A compassionate use program has been ongoing in Israel and Romania. The double blind, placebo-controlled trial will enroll 450 patients diagnosed with HCC and underlying Child Pugh B7 (CPB7) through clinical sites worldwide.

Patients will be randomized to oral treatment with either 25 mg Namodenoson or matching placebo given twice daily. The primary efficacy endpoint of the trial is overall survival. Other oncology trial efficacy outcomes, such as tumor radiographic response rates and median progression-free survival, as well as standard safety parameters, will be assessed.

An interim analysis will be conducted by an Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC) after 50% of enrolled patients are treated. Namodenoson will be evaluated as a 2nd or 3rd line treatment for CPB7 patients in whom other approved therapies have not been or are no longer effective.