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Kancera To Pursue Ex-AZ Asset Targeting Fractalkine Into Clinic

 
• By Sukaina Virji

Swedish drug developer Kancera has exercised an exclusive option to develop a former AstraZeneca drug candidate. The small molecule shares a mechanism of action with a clinical-stage therapeutic antibody from Eisai.

Homeless dog
Abandoned by AstraZeneca, fractalkine project gets new lease of life • Source: Shutterstock

Kancera will shortly start Phase I trials with a small molecule drug candidate that inhibits the Fractalkine receptor CX3CR1. Originally developed for multiple sclerosis, the project was abandoned by AstraZeneca PLC in 2013 when AstraZeneca sold its Södertälje facility in Sweden to Acturum.

Kancera (listed on Nasdaq First North since 2011) entered an option agreement in 2015 with Acturum, and acquired the program...

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