Cantargia reports positive preclinical effects in atherosclerosis demonstrating potential of CAN10 in cardiovascular disease

STOCKHOLM, May 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cantargia (Cantargia AB) (Nasdaq Stockholm: CANTA) today reported new preclinical results, demonstrating efficacy of the IL1RAP-binding antibody CAN10 in a preclinical disease model for atherosclerosis. Treatment with a CAN10 surrogate antibody reduced plaque burden and plaque inflammation in this model, supporting the potential of CAN10 as a potent therapeutic in cardiovascular disease. These findings will be presented at the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) Congress in Milan on 22-25 May.

"These new results highlight the potential of CAN10 in various inflammatory diseases and identifies new opportunities in cardiovascular disease, beyond our current focus on myocarditis and systemic sclerosis. In parallel with the continuing progress of our lead product nadunolimab in multiple indications in cancer, we are looking forward to the first human trial of CAN10 in early 2023," said Göran Forsberg, CEO of Cantargia.

CAN10 is an antibody that has demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory effects by binding IL1RAP (Interleukin-1 Receptor Accessory Protein). Cantargia is developing CAN10 for treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune disease with an initial focus on myocarditis and systemic sclerosis.

The data presented at the EAS Congress show high levels of IL1RAP in the atherosclerotic plaques in a preclinical model. Treatment with a CAN10 surrogate antibody reduced the aortic plaque burden and number of infiltrating inflammatory cells in the plaques in this model. This strongly suggests that IL1RAP blockade has a positive effect on atherosclerosis and plaque inflammation, supporting the idea that IL1RAP represents a novel therapeutic target in this disease. These latest data on CAN10 were generated in collaboration with the research group at Lund University Cardiovascular Research Unit led by Dr. Daniel Engelbertsen.

"Inflammation is considered a driver of plaque formation and their instability which can lead to plaque disruption and infarction. Our studies suggest that IL1RAP signaling is involved in the development of atherosclerosis and that blockade of IL1RAP using the CAN10 antibody may have positive effects on different aspects of the disease," said Dr. Daniel Engelbertsen.

The new CAN10 results will be presented as a poster at the EAS Congress and highlighted in a poster discussion session with an oral presentation. The poster will be made available on Cantargia's webpage (https://cantargia.com/en/research-development/publications) after the presentation on 24 May.