Biotech Pipeline Advances: Can-Fite at BIO 2026, Peptide Candidates Top 2,000, Arrowhead RNAi in Phase 3

Several biopharma pipeline developments came into focus this week: Can-Fite BioPharma will present its late-stage clinical pipeline at the BIO International Convention 2026, GlobalData's database now tracks more than 2,000 peptides in development, and Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals' RNAi pipeline includes two therapies in Phase 3 trials.

Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (NYSE American: CANF) announced its participation in the BIO International Convention 2026, to be held June 22–25, 2026, in San Diego, California. During the conference, Can-Fite will conduct partnering meetings with pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, and potential strategic partners to discuss licensing and commercialization opportunities for its advanced clinical-stage pipeline. The company's lead drug candidate, Namodenoson, is currently being evaluated in a pivotal Phase III study for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), in pancreatic cancer following the successful completion of a Phase IIa study, and in a Phase IIb study for MASH. Piclidenoson, Can-Fite's drug candidate for inflammatory diseases, is being evaluated in a pivotal Phase III study for psoriasis and undergoing preparatory work for a Phase II study in Lowe Syndrome. Can-Fite's A3 adenosine receptor platform technology has demonstrated a favorable safety profile in more than 1,600 patients treated to date. The company features two pivotal Phase III programs, ongoing Phase II studies, and regional deals generating about $20 million in payments; a Vetbiolix deal is potentially worth up to $325 million.

In the peptide space, GlobalData's database counts more than 2,000 peptides in the drug development pipeline, including 624 in discovery and 1,069 in preclinical. In 2025, peptides made combined global sales of $91.38bn, with the top six sellers all examples of GLP-1 receptor agonists. The number of new Phase I peptide trials jumped from 18 in 2023 to 72 in 2024 and 137 in 2025 — a 661% increase. 2026 will see the debut of oral GLP-1 options such as Lilly's orforglipron, while Amgen and Pfizer prepare to enter the scene. Patent expiries for semaglutide are approaching in Asia, and generics and biosimilars are already in development. Orocidin, developing QR-01, a 37-amino acid peptide for aggressive periodontitis, achieved a purity over 99% through a customised synthesis and purification process developed by Syngene, and is now commencing a toxicity programme for QR-01.

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals is advancing an RNA interference drug pipeline that includes two therapies in Phase 3 trials and multiple partnerships with large pharmaceutical partners. The stock traded at US$63.27, with a latest fair value estimate of $64.08, indicating about 1.3% undervaluation. Arrowhead's current P/E sits at 43.8x, versus 21.7x for the US Biotechs industry and a fair ratio of 20.2x. Over one year, Arrowhead's total shareholder return was 234.58%, while the 1-month share price return was a decline of 8.74% and the 90-day return was 12.48%.