Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. has announced the receipt of patent allowances in both Australia and the United States for its drug candidate Namodenoson, for use as an anti-obesity drug. These patents, expiring in 2040 and 2042 respectively, protect methods of treating obese patients through oral administration of Namodenoson. The drug is already in development for Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatohepatitis (MASH), advanced liver cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
The Australian patent, No.2020205042, is entitled “An A3 adenosine receptor ligand for use for achieving a fat loss effect”. The US patent application No. 17/309,952 with the same title, has been accepted by the US Patent Office, will be issued on February 2nd and expires in 2042.
Clinical Evidence and Mechanism of Action
The anti-obesity patent applications are supported by data demonstrating that Namodenoson reduces fat levels by increasing the hormone adiponectin, a key regulator of fat production. Animal studies have shown that Namodenoson reduces body weight in models of obesity induced by high-fat diets. A Phase IIa study in MASH patients treated with Namodenoson showed a 2.3% weight loss after three months, accompanied by a significant increase in serum adiponectin levels.
"We are delighted that the product protection of Namodenoson in the area of obesity has been accepted in the US and Australia and will be valid till 2042 and 2040 respectively. Namodenoson is currently being developed for the treatment of MASH in a Phase IIb study where most patients are obese. We look forward to seeing the anti-obesity effect in this clinical study", said Motti Farbstein, Can-Fite CE&CFO.
Namodenoson: A3 Adenosine Receptor Agonist
Namodenoson is an orally bioavailable drug that selectively binds to the A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR). It is currently in a pivotal Phase III trial for advanced liver cancer, a Phase IIb trial for MASH, and a Phase IIa study for pancreatic cancer. A3AR is highly expressed in diseased cells but shows low expression in normal cells, potentially contributing to the drug's favorable safety profile.
Market Opportunity
The global obesity treatment market is substantial, with projections estimating a revenue of US$ 60.5 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 22.3% from 2025 to 2030. In Australia alone, approximately 1.85 million people are expected to have MASH.
