Strengthens global IP and supports strategic positioning in the rapidly growing metabolic therapeutics market

Ramat Gan, Israel, March 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (NYSE:CANF) (TASE:CANF), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a pipeline of proprietary small molecule drugs targeting oncological and inflammatory diseases, today announced that the Israeli Patent Office has allowed its patent application No. 284463, titled "An A3 Adenosine Receptor Ligand for Use for Achieving a Fat Loss Effect." The allowed patent covers the use of A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) agonists, including the Company's lead drug candidate Namodenoson, for inducing fat loss and treating obesity and related metabolic disorders.

This allowance represents a key addition to Can-Fite's expanding global intellectual property portfolio around Namodenoson's anti-obesity activity and follows similar patent advancements in other major jurisdictions including the US, Canada and Australia, strengthening the Company's worldwide protection strategy. Recently the technology granted scientific recognition upon coming up with a  breakthrough publication of peer-reviewed study in the International Journal of Obesity, demonstrating the anti-obesity effect of namodenoson (https://rdcu.be/e37sf ).

The global obesity therapeutics market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing prevalence and the success of GLP-1 receptor agonists. However, current treatments are often associated with limitations including gastrointestinal side effects and high cost. Namodenoson, a highly selective A3AR agonist, offers a differentiated mechanism of action, targeting key pathways involved in adipogenesis, inflammation, and metabolic regulation. Preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated its potential to reduce fat accumulation and improve metabolic profiles, positioning it as a promising candidate in the expanding obesity treatment landscape.

The global obesity treatment market is projected to reach $60.5 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 22%, driven by increasing disease prevalence and demand for safe, effective oral therapies.