Cantargia Updates on Phase 1 CAN10 Trial Progress

Cantargia, a biotechnology company listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, has made significant progress in its ongoing phase 1 clinical trial of the CAN10 antibody. The study, involving seven completed dose groups, has shown no safety concerns, and receptor occupancy studies have confirmed that CAN10 effectively targets and saturates the molecule IL1RAP on immune cells from the participants. The next dose group is set to begin immediately, with the first group investigating multiple dosing scheduled to start in the third quarter of 2024.

Göran Forsberg, CEO of Cantargia, expressed confidence in the CAN10 program, emphasizing its potential to treat a wide range of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases due to its unique mechanism of action involving the IL-1 family. This antibody is part of Cantargia's broader pipeline and is seen as a versatile treatment option for several conditions.

The phase 1 trial focuses on increasing levels of CAN10 administered as a single dose to healthy subjects, followed by studies of multiple dosing in individuals with mild to moderate psoriasis. The primary goal of the trial is to assess the safety of CAN10. The first seven dose groups have successfully completed the treatment period without any safety issues, and the eighth dose group is ready to start as planned.

Receptor occupancy studies, which are critical for understanding how well CAN10 binds to its target, have shown complete saturation on immune cells known as monocytes and neutrophils. This aligns with predictions from preclinical studies. Biomarker samples collected during the trial are being analyzed to document a dose-dependent inhibition of IL-1 and IL-36, which are known to stimulate the release of biomarkers from immune cells. Additional results from these biomarker studies are anticipated by mid-2024.

The trial will soon extend to participants with psoriasis in the third quarter of 2024, with phase 2 trials expected to commence in 2025. Cantargia's obligations under the EU Market Abuse Regulation ensure that these developments are publicly disclosed.

Cantargia specializes in developing antibody-based treatments for life-threatening diseases and has created a platform centered on the protein IL1RAP, which is implicated in various cancer forms and inflammatory diseases. Their oncology program, featuring the antibody nadunolimab (CAN04), is primarily being tested in combination with chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and triple-negative breast cancer. Initial data indicate that combining nadunolimab with chemotherapy may enhance efficacy compared to chemotherapy alone.

The CAN10 antibody distinguishes itself by blocking IL1RAP signaling differently from nadunolimab, targeting the treatment of serious autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The initial focus is on systemic sclerosis and myocarditis. Preclinical models have shown that a CAN10 surrogate antibody can significantly reduce inflammation and fibrosis in myocarditis and improve cardiac function. It also has shown promise in treating systemic sclerosis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, atherosclerosis, and peritonitis. The ongoing phase 1 study includes up to 80 subjects and has so far demonstrated good safety, with more data expected throughout 2024.

Cantargia continues to make strides in developing innovative treatments for severe diseases, leveraging its expertise in antibody-based therapies targeting IL1RAP. The ongoing success of the CAN10 clinical trial underscores the potential of this antibody to address a broad spectrum of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.