Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (NYSE American: CANF) experienced a 7.7% gain in premarket trading after the publication of independent, peer-reviewed results validating Piclidenoson as a potential treatment for canine osteoarthritis.
The paper, titled "Piclidenoson, an A3 Adenosine Receptor Agonist, Improves Clinical Signs in Dogs with Osteoarthritis," appeared in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science. The publication offers external confirmation of therapeutic activity for the candidate and details statistically significant improvements across multiple clinical endpoints.
According to the published results, oral administration of Piclidenoson produced meaningful benefits in mobility and pain assessments among dogs diagnosed with osteoarthritis, and the compound retained a favorable safety profile throughout the study. Specifically, dogs dosed with Piclidenoson at 500 µg/kg twice daily showed significant improvement in Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs scores. The study also documented significant reductions in pain as measured by the Visual Analog Scale and in veterinarian-assessed measures of lameness and pain.
Piclidenoson is being advanced for veterinary indications by Vetbiolix under a licensing agreement with Can-Fite. That agreement could yield up to $325 million in combined upfront, milestone, and royalty payments, contingent on the terms specified by the license. Vetbiolix is reported to be conducting an advanced Phase 2 clinical study of Piclidenoson in dogs with osteoarthritis.
Prof. Pnina Fishman, Chairperson and Chief Scientific Officer of Can-Fite, noted that having these findings appear in a peer-reviewed scientific journal constitutes important external validation of Piclidenoson's potential in treating canine osteoarthritis.
Canine osteoarthritis is described in the publication as one of the most common chronic diseases affecting dogs worldwide. The paper emphasizes that available treatment options are limited and that long-term use of current therapies is frequently associated with safety and tolerability concerns.
Key points
- Peer-reviewed publication: Piclidenoson study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, providing external validation of efficacy and safety findings.
- Clinical findings: Oral Piclidenoson at 500 µg/kg twice daily significantly improved Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs scores and reduced pain by Visual Analog Scale and veterinarian assessments.
- Commercial pathway: Vetbiolix is developing the veterinary indication under a license from Can-Fite that could be worth up to $325 million; an advanced Phase 2 trial is in progress.
Risks and uncertainties
- Licensing payments are contingent: The potential $325 million value of the Vetbiolix license is structured as upfront, milestone, and royalty payments and therefore dependent on future outcomes.
- Ongoing clinical development: Vetbiolix is conducting an advanced Phase 2 study, and results from that trial will determine next steps; current publication does not substitute for subsequent clinical outcomes.
- Market and safety considerations: While current data show a favorable safety profile, broader or longer-term safety and tolerability in the target population remain to be fully characterized through continued study.
This report is limited to the information contained in the published paper and the announcements made by the companies; it does not extend beyond those stated facts.