PETACH TIKVA, Israel, June 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (NYSE MKT: CANF) (TASE:CFBI), a biotechnology company with a pipeline of proprietary small molecule drugs being developed to treat inflammatory diseases, cancer and sexual dysfunction, today announced new mechanism of action data indicating its lead drug candidate, Piclidenoson (CF101) inhibits two inflammatory cytokines, interleukin 17 (IL-17) and interleukin 23 (IL-23) which are known to play a major role in the inflammatory process of psoriasis.

Biologic drugs, which are injectable immunomodulators, for the treatment of psoriasis currently on the market and in development, also work via a similar mechanism of action by inhibiting IL-17 and IL-23. These systemic drugs offer good efficacy, however, as biologics they can cause serious side effects.

Piclidenoson binds to the Gi protein associated A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR), which is over- expressed in psoriasis patients. This binding action has shown to induce a robust anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting IL-17 and IL-23 as demonstrated in in-vitro studies. An orally administered small molecule drug, Piclidenoson, potentially offers safety superior to biologics as shown in clinical studies in approximately 1,000 people.
These findings will be presented at Psoriasis 2016, the 5th Congress of the Psoriasis International Network, in Paris, France on July 7, 2016. The oral presentation titled, “CF101 via A3AR Activation inhibits IL-17 and IL-23” is scheduled for 10:10 am during the Late Breaking News Session.

“We believe that the discovery of this new mechanistic pathway of Piclidenoson will position it as a strong drug candidate to treat psoriasis with potential efficacy similar to biologics on the market today, while potentially offering superior safety as a small molecule oral drug,” stated Can-Fite CEO, Dr. Pnina Fishman.

The global psoriasis market is estimated to reach $9 billion by 2018 (Visiongain). Can-Fite recently announced the submission of its Phase III protocol design to the European Medicines Agency for Piclidenoson in the treatment of psoriasis and expects to commence the trial in 2016.