Canine Osteoarthritis Breakthrough: Piclidenoson Shows Promising Results

Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd., a biotechnology company specializing in proprietary small molecule drugs, has announced significant positive results from a clinical study on the treatment of canine osteoarthritis using Piclidenoson. This oral drug, an A3 adenosine receptor agonist, has demonstrated excellent safety and efficacy profiles in human clinical trials and now shows promise in the veterinary field.

Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease characterized by joint cartilage loss, joint capsule thickening, and new bone formation, affects approximately 20 to 25% of dogs. The canine osteoarthritis market is projected to reach $3 billion by 2024, highlighting the need for safe and effective treatments. Current treatments include oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and an injectable disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD), both of which have limitations and potential side effects.

Piclidenoson's mechanism of action involves inhibiting inflammatory cytokines interleukin 17 and 23 (IL-17 and IL-23) and inducing apoptosis of inflammatory cells. This dual approach contributes to its potential efficacy in treating canine osteoarthritis by reducing inflammation and slowing disease progression. Additionally, Piclidenoson's oral bioavailability and favorable safety profile make it an attractive candidate for veterinary use.

The multicenter clinical study, conducted by Can-Fite's veterinary partner Vetbiolix, 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 osteoarthritis. 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. These results indicate that Piclidenoson has the potential to be an efficacious drug for canine osteoarthritis, offering relief to millions of dogs and their families.

If the clinical studies continue to provide positive results, Vetbiolix will exercise its option to enter into a full licensing agreement with Can-Fite, requiring upfront and milestone payments, as well as royalties on sales upon regulatory approval. This partnership aims to leverage Can-Fite's clinical pipeline to benefit animals while accelerating the path to commercialization through a capital-efficient strategy.

In conclusion, the significant positive results from the osteoarthritis clinical study in dogs treated with Piclidenoson offer hope for a safe and effective treatment option in the canine market. With its excellent safety profile and promising efficacy, Piclidenoson has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of canine osteoarthritis and provide much-needed relief to affected dogs and their families. As the market for canine osteoarthritis treatments continues to grow, the successful development and commercialization of Piclidenoson could generate substantial revenues for Can-Fite and Vetbiolix, while improving the quality of life for countless dogs.