Drug development company Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (TASE:CFBI) announced today that it will commence Phase II clinical trials of its drug CF101, for the treatment of psoriasis.This is the third application of CF101 within the company's development pipeline, in addition to rheumatoid arthritis and dry eye syndrome, which are already in advanced clinical trial phases.
Can-Fite said the trial would involve about 60 patients, who will be treated for about 12 weeks at four medical centers across Israel. The trial is likely to be completed in the first quarter of 2008.
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that affects 2-3% of the general population. The company said that pre-clinical studies have shown that CF101 suppresses the production of the inflammatory cytokine TNF which plays a major role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Patients with psoriasis have also been shown to overexpress A3 adenosine receptor, which is the target of CF101.
Can-Fite CEO Pnina Fishman said, "Commencing this clinical trial for the treatment of psoriasis is a major event in the life of the company, because this is the third indication to reach clinical phases. Can-Fite is currently developing a portfolio of drugs for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and cancer, and we expect to proceed with the development of additional drugs based on the company's technology."
Fishman added that the results of the company's rheumatoid arthritis trial would be released this summer.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on May 16, 2007
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