Cantargia (CANTA) Stifel 2026 Healthcare Conference 2026 summary

IL1RAP platform and pipeline

• IL1RAP co-receptor biology enables targeting of IL-1, IL-33 and IL-36 pathways; more than 500 target-specific clones and two clinical candidates developed.

• Nadunolimab is advancing in pancreatic cancer and MDS/AML; CAN10 was acquired by Otsuka, and a bispecific program now combines IL1RAP with IL-17.

• Otsuka deal value cited as $633 million, including $33 million upfront, plus royalties from low single digits to double digits; proceeds support R&D without dilution.

• The bispecific's IL-17 target was announced; further preclinical updates are planned, while an oncology antibody-drug conjugate is also progressing.

MDS and AML program

• Nadunolimab targets high IL1RAP on leukemic stem cells, aiming to inhibit proliferation and promote immune killing while sparing normal hematopoietic cells.

• In a June 30 data cut of 19 Phase Ib patients, response rates were 70% in 10 MDS patients and 33% in nine AML patients, including one complete response.

• Phase Ib had one grade 3/4 event considered likely related to nadunolimab: an infusion reaction; Phase IIa targets 40 patients.

• MD Anderson's MDS/AML data are scheduled for oral presentation at ASH on Dec. 13; Phase IIa topline data are expected by mid-2027.

Pancreatic cancer program

• In a 73-patient Phase IIa study with gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel, median overall survival was 13.2 months versus 8.5–9.2 months for the chemotherapy comparator; 58% were alive at 12 months.

• High IL1RAP was associated with poor prognosis in external datasets; with nadunolimab, reported survival was 13.2–14.2 months for high expressors versus 10.9 months for low expressors.

• Preclinical KPC mouse work found the nadunolimab/RAS-inhibitor combination reduced tumor mass and metastases; complete cures and immune-cell infiltration were observed only with the combination.

• A Phase Ib combination study with daraxonrasib will enroll approximately 15 metastatic PDAC patients previously progressed on first-line standard care; safety, tolerability and preliminary efficacy are objectives, with first patient targeted in Q1 2027.

• A future Phase IIb had been planned to select high-IL1RAP patients; biomarker strategy remains subject to further data, including results with a RAS inhibitor combination.