Nyrada (ASX:NYR) completed a preclinical cardioprotection pilot study that confirmed the feasibility and tolerability of the planned subcutaneous dosing for its Xolatryp lead drug candidate in combination with doxorubicin, according to a Wednesday filing with the Australian bourse.

The pilot study aimed to evaluate whether Xolatryp can provide a cardioprotective role in anthracycline chemotherapy, to reduce cardiotoxicity without jeopardizing anti-tumor activity, per the filing.

Preliminary biomarker data from the trial showed lower levels of a clinically relevant marker of cardiac injury relative to a control group, the company said.

The pilot study was not designed to show statistical significance for an efficacy readout, but it will inform the design of a larger cardiomyopathy study for which results are expected in the third quarter, Nyrada said.

The company's shares fell 6% in recent Wednesday trade.