Zymeworks Outlines Strategic Priorities and Outlook for 2025 and 2026

In This Article:

Zymeworks Inc.
Zymeworks Inc.
  • Investigational new drug (IND) applications for initiating first-in-human studies for ZW220 and ZW251 in solid tumors anticipated in 2025

  • IND applications for initiating first-in-human studies for ZW209 and ZW1528 anticipated in 2026

  • Phase 3 HERIZON-GEA-01 top-line results for Ziihera® (zanidatamab-hrii) in first-line HER2-positive gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA) are expected 2Q-2025, with potential supplemental biologics license application (sBLA) by Jazz Pharmaceuticals later in 2025

  • Potential regulatory decisions in EU and China for approval of zanidatamab in second-line biliary tract cancer (BTC) as early as 2Q-2025

  • Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities of approximately $324 million (unaudited) as of December 31, 2024, which when combined with certain anticipated regulatory milestone payments, provide projected cash runway into 2H-2027

  • Company well-positioned for further progress and expansion of R&D pipeline into autoimmune and inflammatory diseases (AIID) and hematological cancers

  • Company to present on Thursday, January 16, 2024 at 08:15 a.m. PT at the J.P. Morgan Annual Healthcare Conference

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zymeworks Inc. (Nasdaq: ZYME), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a diverse pipeline of novel, multifunctional biotherapeutics to improve the standard of care for difficult-to-treat diseases, including cancer, inflammation, and autoimmune disease, today provided an update on key strategic priorities for 2025 and 2026.

“2024 was a pivotal year for Zymeworks, marked by the first FDA approval of our internally developed product, zanidatamab, significant clinical progress with our novel, antibody-based therapeutic candidates in solid tumors and advancements in our emerging preclinical pipeline,” said Kenneth Galbraith, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Zymeworks. “With critical R&D milestones achieved approximately eighteen months ahead of our initial timelines, a strong financial position and the operational capabilities to advance multiple programs in solid tumors, hematological oncology, and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, we are well-positioned to execute against our strategic priorities over the next two years, and continue addressing potential treatment options for some of the most challenging and complex diseases.”

Key 2024 Accomplishments:

  • First-in-human global studies initiated for ZW171, a 2+1 trivalent T cell engager targeting mesothelin-expressing solid tumors (NCT06523803);

  • First-in-human global studies initiated for ZW191, an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) engineered to target folate receptor-⍺ utilizing our novel proprietary topoisomerase 1 inhibitor (TOPO1i) payload, ZD-06519 (NCT06555744);

  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval of Ziihera® (zanidatamab-hrii) 50mg/mL for injection for intravenous use for the treatment of adults with previously-treated, unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive (IHC 3+) second-line BTC;

  • Nominated the fifth product in the Company’s ‘5 by 5’ R&D program, ZW209, a novel DLL3-targeting trispecific T cell engager incorporating co-stimulation that leverages Zymeworks’ clinically validated technology platform, AzymetricÔ, with a planned IND application in 1H-2026;

  • Nominated the first product from our ADVANCE research strategy, ZW1528, the Company’s first development candidate in AIID, which demonstrates dual blockade of two complementary pathways of respiratory inflammation and offers potential benefit in mixed-type chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with a planned IND application in 2H-2026;

  • Through a series of publications and presentations, outlined additional preclinical data supporting the potential therapeutic benefit of clinical programs and IND candidates in our solid tumor R&D portfolio (ZW171, ZW191, ZW220, ZW251 and ZW209) and our proprietary TOPO1i payload, ZD-06519;

  • Strengthened our board of directors through the addition of three new members, Dr. Alessandra Cesano, Dr. Neil Gallagher, and Mr. Scott Platshon;

  • Strengthened our leadership team through the addition of Ms. Leone Patterson as Chief Business and Financial Officer; and

  • Successfully completed $30 million of share repurchases under the Company’s Share Repurchase Program announced in August 2024.