Alligator Bioscience AB (STO:ATORX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing tumour-directed immuno-oncology antibody drugs, announced on Wednesday a temporary halt in the recruitment of new patients to the company's ongoing phase I clinical trials with the drug candidates ATOR-1015 and ATOR-1017, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the company, it is thoroughly monitoring the development and how it affects its ongoing clinical studies and is in close dialogue with all concerned parties to ensure that cancer patients will be able to participate in its studies again as soon as possible. Patients currently enrolled in clinical studies are expected to continue with their scheduled visits as planned. Also, the company intends to, in consultation with clinical sites and authorities, resume the recruitment of patients as soon as possible.

In addition, Alligator has moved quickly to more extensive virtual operations, except for essential laboratory work which continues with additional COVID-19-related safety measures. For the time being it is too early to estimate if the halt of recruitment affects the study completion timelines, the company added.