Currency in SEK
Last close As at 26/05/2023
SEK4.56
▲ −0.10 (−2.15%)
Market capitalisation
SEK762m
Cantargia has announced it has recruited enough patients into both of its Phase I CAPAFOUR and Phase I/II CESTAFOUR trials to end enrolment. Both studies are investigating the company’s lead asset nadunolimab (CAN04) in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer (PDAC) in CAPAFOUR and in advanced solid tumours in CESTAFOUR. With recruitment complete, management will progress the clinical development of CAN04 through the planning of a randomised trial in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), an indication that has shown promising results in the CESTAFOUR study. Additionally, the Phase I CIRIFOUR trial assessing CAN04 in combination with pembrolizumab will not continue as planned, with Cantargia looking to seek more cost-effective investigations. We view this as a sensible decision by management which may allow resources to be focused on valuable randomised studies. We continue to value Cantargia at SEK7.35bn or SEK44.0 per share.
Cantargia |
Recruitment milestone achieved |
Clinical update |
Pharma and biotech |
14 October 2022 |
Share price performance Business description
Analysts
Cantargia is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited |
Cantargia has announced it has recruited enough patients into both of its Phase I CAPAFOUR and Phase I/II CESTAFOUR trials to end enrolment. Both studies are investigating the company’s lead asset nadunolimab (CAN04) in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer (PDAC) in CAPAFOUR and in advanced solid tumours in CESTAFOUR. With recruitment complete, management will progress the clinical development of CAN04 through the planning of a randomised trial in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), an indication that has shown promising results in the CESTAFOUR study. Additionally, the Phase I CIRIFOUR trial assessing CAN04 in combination with pembrolizumab will not continue as planned, with Cantargia looking to seek more cost-effective investigations. We view this as a sensible decision by management which may allow resources to be focused on valuable randomised studies. We continue to value Cantargia at SEK7.35bn or SEK44.0 per share.
Year end |
Revenue |
PBT* |
EPS* |
DPS |
P/E |
Yield |
12/20 |
0.0 |
(173.1) |
(1.94) |
0.0 |
N/A |
N/A |
12/21 |
0.0 |
(370.3) |
(3.70) |
0.0 |
N/A |
N/A |
12/22e |
0.0 |
(393.8) |
(2.95) |
0.0 |
N/A |
N/A |
12/23e |
0.0 |
(367.5) |
(2.20) |
0.0 |
N/A |
N/A |
Note: *PBT and EPS are normalised, excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles, exceptional items and share-based payments.
The CAPAFOUR and CESTAFOUR studies have progressed well, recruiting up to 50 patients between both, and preliminary results have demonstrated positive safety profiles. As a result, neither of the two studies will progress to the optional expansion stages, allowing resources to be prioritised on CAN04’s lead indications, including a potentially significant phase II/III randomised study in PDAC in collaboration with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network together with the planning of a randomised trial in NSCLC. Thus, two shots on goal. More mature safety and efficacy data from both studies will be announced in H123.
Notably, a partial response to treatment was observed in two of four NSCLC patients from the CESTAFOUR trial when treated with the combination of CAN04, gemcitabine and cisplatin. This is combined with 16/30 responses in the previous trial (CANFOUR) in NSCLC, which led management to prioritise the planning of a follow-on randomised study in NSCLC. In our view, combination therapies will be critical for clinical breakthroughs in oncology, so we see Cantargia’s clinical strategy as a positive one. Additionally, NSCLC is one of the largest solid tumour indications where unmet medical needs still exist, and with global drug sales estimated to reach c US$53bn (source: EvaluatePharma) by 2028 it represents a sizeable opportunity, in our view.
Cantargia had recently announced the dosing of its first patient in the new arm of its CIRIFOUR trial; however, patient recruitment will now cease with new options explored for future development. Readouts from patients who received CAN04 and pembrolizumab are expected in H123.
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Treatt’s FY22 trading update was in line with the reduced guidance issued on 15 August, ie adjusted PBT of £15–15.3m. Revenue growth of 13% is in line with market expectations and the dividend policy remains unchanged. Revenue growth spanned all categories with the exception of tea, as per the August statement. Health and Wellness and Synthetic Aroma witnessed particularly strong growth. The over-hedging, which was highlighted in August and caused part of the downgrade to profits, has now been corrected. While the economic environment remains uncertain, management is encouraged by prevailing consumer trends, particularly in beverages, and is hence confident that the business can revert to its trajectory of growth. Our forecasts are unchanged, with the exception of net debt, and our fair value remains 630p.
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