Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. has signed an asset purchase agreement with Swedish biotech firm Cantargia AB to acquire global rights to CAN10, a promising antibody drug candidate targeting autoimmune diseases. The deal grants Otsuka exclusive worldwide rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize CAN10 and its associated assets.
CAN10 is a monoclonal antibody that targets IL-1RAP (Interleukin-1 Receptor Accessory Protein), a key co-receptor involved in signaling from inflammatory cytokines IL-1, IL-33, and IL-36. These cytokines are known to exacerbate the progression of autoimmune conditions. By blocking IL-1RAP, CAN10 is designed to simultaneously inhibit multiple inflammatory pathways, positioning it as a potential next-generation therapy for immune-related disorders.
Cantargia is currently conducting a Phase 1 clinical trial (NCT06143371) to assess CAN10’s safety and tolerability in healthy subjects, with early data showing inhibition of IL-1β and IL-36 signaling.
Under the agreement, Otsuka will make an upfront payment of $33 million to Cantargia, with additional milestone-based payments contingent on regulatory and commercial achievements. The transaction is subject to standard regulatory approvals.
Makoto Inoue, President and Representative Director of Otsuka, said the acquisition aligns with the company’s broader strategy to expand its autoimmune pipeline. “By integrating CAN10 with the antibody drug platform of our U.S. subsidiary Visterra and the small-molecule discovery capabilities of Jnana Therapeutics, we aim to accelerate development across multiple autoimmune pathways,” Inoue said.
Cantargia’s interim CEO, Damian Marron, called the agreement a “transformative transaction” for the company. “We’re thrilled that Otsuka recognizes the potential of our IL-1RAP antibody platform,” he said. “This deal underscores our leadership in IL-1RAP biology and enables us to advance our oncology and inflammation programs with renewed focus.”
The acquisition bolsters Otsuka’s position in immunology and highlights growing industry interest in next-generation anti-inflammatory therapies that can modulate multiple disease-driving pathways simultaneously.