Cantargia AB (publ) announced that the first subject has been treated with the IL1RAP-binding antibody CAN10, developed for treatment of autoimmune/inflammatory diseases. The phase I clinical trial, conducted in Germany, investigates the safety, pharmacokinetics and biomarkers of CAN10 in healthy volunteers and psoriasis patients. A total of 80 subjects may be included in the trial.

Initial data from the trial are expected in 2024. The primary objective of this phase I trial is to investigate the safety and tolerability of CAN10. Further objectives include pharmacokinetics and effects on various immunological or disease-related biomarkers.

Initially, single ascending doses will be given intravenously to up to 64 healthy volunteers. A subsequent part of the trial is designed to also generate an early proof-of-concept in up to 16 patients with mild to moderate psoriasis, who will receive multiple injections of CAN10 subcutaneously at two dose levels. Additional trial details will be disclosed on clinicaltrials.gov.

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. CAN10 has previously shown promising effects in several models of such diseases, including the lead indications systemic sclerosis and myocarditis. Pronounced effects have also been observed in models of psoriasis and these findings will form the basis for studying the effects of CAN10 in psoriasis patients in the phase I trial.

Subsequent trials intend to focus on patients with systemic sclerosis or myocarditis.