Can-Fite BioPharma, an Israel-based biotechnology company, has said that the results of the phase two trial of its liver cancer drug, Namodenoson, will be delayed longer than originally estimated, it was reported yesterday.

The company is positive on the result of the trial with its final analysis, which is based on survival, delayed due to the unexpected longevity of the participating patients. It stated that it now expects to analyse the results of the key trial in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) before the year end.

According to the company, the product binds with high affinity and selectivity to the A3 adenosine receptor, which is highly expressed in diseased cells, while low expression is found in normal cells. The global mid-stage trial for the product, being held in the US, Europe and Israel, is assessing it for the treatment of advanced HCC in patients whose disease has progressed on Nexavar (sorafenib) therapy.

Namodenoson has an orphan drug designation in Europe and the US. It also has a fast track designation in the US as a second line treatment for HCC.