Can-Fite BioPharma Says EAPO Issues Notification Of Readiness To Grant Patent Covering Use Of Piclidenoson For Treatment Of Diseases Associated With OCRL Deficiency

Allowed claims cover Lowe syndrome and Dent disease 2; Can-Fite holds development, commercialization, and out-licensing rights for these indications under its agreement with Fondazione Telethon

Ramat Gan, Israel, Nov. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (NYSE:CANF) (TASE:CANF), a biotechnology company advancing a pipeline of proprietary small molecule drugs that address oncological and inflammatory diseases, today announced that the Eurasian Patent Office (EAPO) has issued a notification of readiness to grant a patent covering the use of Piclidenoson for the treatment of diseases associated with OCRL deficiency, including Lowe syndrome and Dent disease 2.

Lowe syndrome is a rare X-linked multisystem genetic disorder caused by mutations in the OCRL gene, resulting in severe renal, neurological, and ocular manifestations. The renal disease is characterized by progressive proximal tubular dysfunction leading to Fanconi syndrome, chronic kidney disease, and eventual kidney failure. Current management is supportive, and no approved therapy addresses the underlying disease mechanism.

The patent application is owned by Fondazione Telethon, Can-Fite’s research partner. Under its agreement with Fondazione Telethon, Can-Fite holds the rights to develop, commercialize, and out-license Piclidenoson for the treatment of Lowe syndrome. The allowance strengthens the intellectual property foundation supporting Can-Fite’s development program and future partnering opportunities in this indication. The grant remains subject to completion of the required formalities.

Piclidenoson was selected for clinical evaluation based on compelling preclinical studies demonstrating restoration of OCRL-dependent cellular function conducted by Dr. Antonella De Matteis, Professor of Biology, Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology at the University of Naples Federico II, and Program Coordinator of the Cell Biology and Disease Mechanisms at the Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM) in Italy. Can-Fite and Fondazione Telethon have signed a collaboration agreement for the clinical development of Piclidenoson for the treatment of Lowe Syndrome, a high medical need with no drug available.  

The Phase 2 study is an open-label, single-center clinical trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral Piclidenoson administered twice daily for six months in 5 adult patients with genetically confirmed Lowe syndrome. The primary endpoint is improvement in renal uptake of 99mTc-DMSA as a measure of proximal tubular reabsorption capacity, with secondary endpoints evaluating urinary biomarkers of tubular function, Fanconi syndrome parameters, and safety.