Can-Fite has reported that it is commencing patient recruitment in its global, pivotal Phase III trial of its lead drug candidate Piclidenoson in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The study, titled ACRobat, will enroll 500 patients in Europe, Israel and Canada.
The company reported drug supplies for trial have been manufactured and are ready for administration. The trial will have an estimated cost of $5 million, a modest cost when considering the global market for rheumatoid arthritis drugs is currently $38.5 billion.
Can-Fite’s drug is being developed as a first line therapy and replacement for the current standard of care, Methotrexate. Methotrexate is the most widely used drug for rheumatoid arthritis.
90% of rheumatoid arthritis patients receive Methotrexate at some point in their disease, but 40-50% of patients stop taking it after five years, due to its serious side-effects.
Over 1,000 patients have been safely treated with Piclidenoson, which has shown no series side effects and has proven to be safe. Piclidenoson can offer a superior alternative to Methotrexate for patients who need a safe and effective drug that can be taken long term.
