Can-Fite begins Phase II trials for dry eye treatment

Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (TASE:CFBI) has begun Phase II clinical trials for its CF101 drug for the treatment of symptoms of keratitis sicca (dry-eye syndrome). The test will be conducted in Israel among 50 patients who will receive CF101 over 12 weeks at four medical centers.

The results of the trial will also be sent to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If CF101 is shown to be effective, Can-Fite can apply for orphan drug status, which if approved, will greatly speed up its development.

Dry eye syndrome commonly affects wearers of contact lenses, women going through menopause, and is a side effect of rheumatoid arthritis. Figures published indicate that the over six million people in the US alone suffer from dry eye syndrome, and the market for treatments is estimated at $1 billion a year.

Can-Fite originally developed CF101 as a cancer treatment, and later extended its effectiveness for treating rheumatoid arthritis. CF101 is now undergoing Phase IIb clinical trials in the US for rheumatoid arthritis. The company decided to test the drug’s effectiveness in treating dry eye syndrome after patients in the Phase IIa clinical trials for rheumatoid arthritis reported substantial alleviation of dry eyes.

Can-Fite plans to test two other uses for CF101: to treat psoriasis and uveitis, an inflammation of the interior of the eye.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on January 28, 2007

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