In early April, biotechnology company Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd announced the completion of pre-clinical studies into the potential of using a specific cannabis compound to inhibit liver cancer cell growth.

The compound highlighted in the company’s study on cannabis for liver cancer is a CBD potent T3/C15 cannabis fraction. 

“These findings present a novel therapeutic opportunity for cannabis derived compounds in liver cancer and further enhance Can-Fite’s assets,” reads an official statement from the company. 

“Liver cancer is very difficult to treat and patients are in need of more options. Cannabinoid-based compounds may offer an effective and safe alternative for this unmet need.”

Acknowledged as a company specializing in drug development for the treatment of various liver diseases, Can-Fite previously made history for proving that its drug candidate Namodenoson can help to treat advanced liver cancer.

Headquartered in Israel, Can-Fite’s drug candidate Namodenoson is anticipated to be tested in a critical Phase III study in Q4 2021. The company’s cannabinoid-based therapies have been safeguarded via the submission of patent applications.

Cannabis for liver cancer: Patients could rely on plant compounds to manage cell growth  

The primary aim of Can-Fite’s work is to experiment on and develop drugs that work by targeting the A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR). Impressively, in its most recently conducted pre-clinical studies, Can-Fite found that a potent CBD T3/C15 cannabis fraction successfully managed to stop the proliferation of liver HEP-3b hepatocellular carcinoma cells via the A3AR.  

Can-Fite’s findings indicated that the cannabis compound was capable of hampering Wnt- and NF-kappa B-related regulatory pathways. To put this into perspective, the Wnt signaling pathway is regarded as a majorly active element in controlling liver cancer cell growth. 

“These findings present a novel therapeutic opportunity for cannabis derived compounds in liver cancer and further enhance Can-Fite’s assets. Liver cancer is very difficult to treat and patients are in need of more options. Cannabinoid-based compounds may offer an effective and safe alternative for this unmet need,” said the CEO of Can-Fite, Dr. Pnina Fishman.

Based on a report by Adroit Market Research, the medical cannabis market is expected to inflate at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29 percent to $56.7 billion by the year 2026. 

Since liver cancer is one of the main causes of death across the world, it’s highly likely that the value of the market could soar beyond projections if cannabis compounds are introduced as a treatment solution.

Cannabis for liver cancer: About Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd.

An acclaimed advanced stage drug development company, Can-Fite is recognized for implementing platform technology that clearly demonstrates how  multi-billion dollar markets can be tapped into for the treatment of cancer, COVID-19 and certain types of inflammatory disease. 

Piclidenoson, Can-Fite’s lead drug candidate, is currently undergoing Phase III trials for psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. Namodenoson, the company’s cannabis for liver cancer drug, is also entering a Phase III trial for the most commonly diagnosed type of liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

CF602 is the name of Can-Fite’s third candidate, which has shown promise in treating patients who suffer from erectile dysfunction. Drugs of this kind are confirmed to have a fantastic safety profile. To-date, more than 1,500 patients have tested the drugs in a series of clinical trials. 

The company can be found trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker “CANF”.