Fosrugocrixan (KAND145)

Fosrugocrixan is the company’s second-generation CX3CR1 antagonist and a drug candidate developed and patented by Novakand Pharma.

Fosrugocrixan is a so-called prodrug, which means that after administration, fosrugocrixan is converted into rugocrixan in the body. Fosrugocrixan has thus the same mechanism of action as rugocrixan but offers improved product properties. Novakand Pharma has conducted a Phase I study with fosrugocrixan in healthy volunteers.

Phase I study in healthy subjects

The Phase I study with fosrugocrixan is a completed randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter study in healthy volunteers designed to evaluate safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, the effect of food, and interactions with other medications. The study was conducted at two centers in Finland, and the company presented positive overall results in May 2024, which showed that:

• Fosrugocrixan is rapidly and efficiently converted to rugocrixan in the body, and that following conversion, the pharmacokinetics are similar to those observed with rugocrixan dosing.

• Fosrugocrixan is safe and well-tolerated at a dose and exposure level expected to be pharmacologically active.

• Safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics are not affected by food intake, and the risk of interaction with other relevant drugs is considered to be low.