Osteoarthritis clinical study showing positive outcomes

Anna Belova / stock.adobe.com

Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd, a biotechnology company developing proprietary small molecule drugs for cancer and inflammatory diseases, reported positive results from a multicenter clinical study on osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs treated with Piclidenoson, an IB-MECA oral small molecule drug formulated in a tablet.^1,2 Can-Fite describes Piclidenoson as a novel A3 adenosine receptor agonist small molecule, orally bioavailable drug.¹ Vetbiolix, Can-Fite’s veterinary partner, is responsible for all costs of the veterinary clinical development of the study and has successfully concluded the study's interim analysis.¹

Following the demonstrated efficacy of Piclidenoson, Vetbiolix can choose to enter into a full licensing agreement with Can-Fite. Acoording to the company release,¹ this agreement would require Vetbiolix to make upfront and milestone payments to Can-Fite, as well as pay royalties on sales upon regulatory approval.

The study evaluated the effects of 90 days of Piclidenoson treatment at doses of 100 μg/kg and 500 μg/kg, administered orally twice daily, in dogs with OA. The primary objective was to assess symptom severity using the “Liverpool OsteoArthritis in Dogs” (LOAD) questionnaire, which evaluates the mobility of the dogs. Secondary objectives included pain assessment by pet owners using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and lameness and pain assessment by veterinarians using the Numerical Rating Score (NRS). The study successfully met its primary and secondary endpoints, showing a dose- and time-dependent inhibitory effect of Piclidenoson on LOAD, VAS, and NRS. Significant improvements in clinical status and pain reduction were observed at the 500 μg/kg dose.¹

“We are very much encouraged by the positive results in the osteoarthritis dog clinical study and hope Piclidenoson can be used as an efficacious drug with this unmet clinical indication,” stated Can-Fite CSO Pnina Fishman, PhD, in the release.¹ “This veterinary indication offers Can-Fite the opportunity to get Piclidenoson onto the market faster to benefit canines, while also potentially contributing near-term revenues. We are very pleased to work productively with the team at Vetbiolix.”

Can-Fite and Vetbiolix recognize the market need for more OA treatment options since approximately 40% of dogs experience OA-induced pain.³ Besides nonpharmacological options like weight management, exercise, laser therapy, and supplement, the only drug treatments for OA include oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and an injectable disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug.¹ Studies like these can expand treatment options for OA in dogs, providing veterinarians with more effective therapies to improve the quality of life for their patients.

References

1. Positive results from osteoarthritis clinical study in dogs reported by Can-Fite’s partner Vetbiolix. News release. Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. June 28, 2024. Accessed July 2, 2024. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240628278831/en/Positive-Results-from-Osteoarthritis-Clinical-Study-in-Dogs-Reported-by-Can-Fite%E2%80%99s-Partner-Vetbiolix
2. Piclidenoson (CF101). Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. Accessed July 2, 2024. https://www.canfite.com/category/Piclidenoson
3. Wright A, Amodie DM, Cernicchiaro N, et al. Identification of canine osteoarthritis using an owner-reported questionnaire and treatment monitoring using functional mobility tests. J Small Anim Pract. 2022;63(8):609-618. doi:10.1111/jsap.13500