Following the approval by both the regulatory authority as well as the ethics committee in Germany, the phase I trial will now be initiated.

“Cantargia has reached another significant milestone as CAN10 now becomes our second program in clinical development. CAN10 has shown strong effects in a number of inflammatory and autoimmune disease models and covers a segment that complements nadunolimab, our lead asset in oncology,” said Göran Forsberg, CEO of Cantargia.

The CAN10 antibody strongly binds IL1RAP and simultaneously blocks the function of the signaling molecules IL-1, IL-33 and IL-36, which play key roles in several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Cantargia is initially focusing the development of CAN10 on systemic sclerosis and myocarditis, two diseases with a high medical need. CAN10 has shown promising effects in several models of these diseases.

The primary objective of this phase I trial is to investigate the safety and tolerability of CAN10 using a standard design involving single ascending doses (SAD), followed by evaluation of multiple ascending doses (MAD). Further objectives include pharmacokinetics and effects on various immunological or disease-related biomarkers. Initially, single ascending doses will be given intravenously to healthy volunteers. A subsequent part of the trial is designed to generate an early proof-of-concept in up to 16 patients with mild to moderate psoriasis who will receive CAN10 subcutaneously at two dose levels. Indication of clinically relevant effects on biomarkers will also be evaluated throughout the study.

Treatment is expected to start in September 2023. Additional details will be disclosed on clinicaltrials.gov. Once this trial has been concluded, subsequent trials intend to focus on patients with systemic sclerosis or myocarditis.