Cantargia (CANTA) Life Science Summit 2025 summary

Strategic highlights and pipeline progress

• Lead antibody nadunolimab is pivotal-ready for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and has received FDA fast-track designation.

• CAN10, the second antibody, was acquired by Otsuka Pharmaceutical in a deal valued over $613 million, providing $33 million upfront and financial flexibility for further R&D.

• The Otsuka transaction validated the technology and the company's ability to execute significant partnerships.

• Focus remains on advancing nadunolimab in PDAC, with additional projects in the pipeline.

• A new CMO, Wolfram Dempke, with extensive oncology experience, has joined the team.

Clinical data and biomarker strategy

• Nadunolimab blocks IL1 signaling by targeting IL1RAP, inhibiting tumor-promoting pathways and activating natural killer cells.

• Over 300 cancer patients have been treated, showing promising efficacy and safety, especially in PDAC.

• High IL1RAP levels in tumors are linked to poor prognosis, but patients with high levels treated with nadunolimab had improved survival.

• In a phase I/II study, median overall survival reached 13.2 months, exceeding historical controls of 8–9 months.

• Patients with high IL1RAP had a median survival of 14.2 months versus 10.6 months for those with low levels; 35% survived two years.

Forward plans and differentiation

• A pivotal study is planned, selecting patients with high IL1RAP using a validated assay developed over two years.

• Two-track strategy: pursuing both independent development and potential partnerships for the pivotal trial.

• Aims to be first and best in class for PDAC treatment, leveraging a clear biomarker strategy to reduce risk and increase success probability.

• Differentiation comes from deep target knowledge, clinical data, strong team, and proven partnering capability.

• Early data in non-small cell lung cancer is promising, with further studies needed for confirmation.