Can-Fite BioPharma's drug candidate, Namodenoson, is showing promise in treating advanced liver cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma; HCC) due to its liver-protective effects in addition to its anti-cancer activity. The company's work, titled 'The Liver Protective Effect of the anti-Cancer Drug Candidate Namodenoson is Mediated via Adiponectin' will be presented at the 2025 ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium in San Francisco.
Phase 3 Trial and Compassionate Use
Namodenoson is currently being evaluated in a pivotal Phase 3 multinational registrational trial for the treatment of advanced HCC. Notably, one patient enrolled in Can-Fite’s Phase 2b HCC trial experienced complete cancer clearance and has remained cancer-free for over 8 years through a compassionate use program in Romania.
Unique Liver-Protective Effects
Unlike many existing HCC treatments that can induce liver toxicity, Namodenoson has demonstrated a liver-protective effect, including anti-steatosis, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and anti-ischemic effects. Can-Fite researchers have found that this protective effect is mediated via adiponectin, a cytokine known to induce liver-, cardio-, and neuro-protective effects.
Mechanism of Action
Namodenoson is a small orally bioavailable drug that binds with high affinity and selectivity to the A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR). A3AR is highly expressed in diseased cells, while normal cells show low expression, potentially contributing to the drug's favorable safety profile. Namodenoson is also being evaluated in a Phase IIb trial for the treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatohepatitis (MASH), and in a Phase IIa study in pancreatic cancer.
Expert Commentary
According to Can-Fite CSO & Chairperson Dr. Pnina Fishman, the Phase 3 trial is designed for patients who have not benefited from existing FDA-approved HCC treatments. Dr. Fishman stated, 'In distinction from these drugs which induce liver toxicity on top of their anti-cancer effect, Namodenoson has the advantage of having a liver-protective effect and therefore can be administered to patients with advanced disease. We are hopeful that Namodenoson, with its liver-protective properties, can safely prolong life for advanced liver cancer patients.'
Additional Benefits
A recent article published in the European Society of Medicine Journal highlights Namodenoson’s potent anti-ischemic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and anti-toxicity effects across multiple body tissues including the liver, central nervous system, and cardiovascular system. The study underscores Namodenoson’s dual role as both an anti-cancer therapy and a protective agent for normal tissues, setting it apart from conventional chemotherapy and other oncology treatments with significant toxicity.
