Zai Lab Partners with MediLink for New LRRC15 Antibody-Drug Conjugate Development

Zai Lab Limited, a prominent biopharmaceutical company with operations in both China and the United States, has announced a significant partnership with MediLink Therapeutics. This collaboration involves a worldwide license agreement that will see Zai Lab utilize MediLink’s TMALIN® antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) platform to develop a novel ADC, named ZL-6201. This new drug will incorporate an antibody discovered by Zai Lab and is intended for the treatment of multiple solid tumors, thereby addressing unmet medical needs in oncology.

The introduction of ZL-6201 is poised to enhance Zai Lab’s global oncology pipeline, which is known for its innovative approach to cancer treatment. The preclinical data for ZL-6201 has been promising, with an Investigational New Drug (IND) application expected to be filed in 2025. Zai Lab’s President and Head of Global Research and Development, Rafael G. Amado, M.D., expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting its potential to broaden their global partnership and enhance their focus on developing ADC cancer therapies. This new initiative builds on promising findings from ongoing clinical trials of another ADC, ZL-1310.

On the other side of the partnership, Tony Xue, CEO of MediLink, expressed confidence in their collaboration with Zai Lab. He noted that Zai Lab's dedication to innovation and successful track record in global development were impressive, enhancing the strategic partnership between the two companies. MediLink believes that this collaboration will help bring an innovative therapy to patients around the world, which further validates their ADC technology.

The target of ZL-6201, LRRC15, is a transmembrane protein involved in crucial cellular interactions and is overexpressed in various tumors, including sarcoma, glioblastoma, and melanoma. Its role in promoting tumor metastasis and contributing to an immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment makes it an attractive target for cancer therapy.

Zai Lab is rapidly building a robust portfolio of potential first- and best-in-class ADCs globally. Their pipeline includes TIVDAK, an asset nearing commercial stage, and two next-generation ADC programs: ZL-1310 and ZL-6301, which come with exclusive worldwide rights. ZL-1310, which targets DLL3, is currently in a Phase 1 trial and has shown promising efficacy and safety results in patients with recurrent extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Zai Lab operates as an innovative biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing products for medical conditions with significant unmet needs. Their key areas of focus include oncology, autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, and neuroscience. With operations based in both China and the United States, Zai Lab aims to leverage its resources and expertise to make a positive impact on global health.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Zai Lab and MediLink Therapeutics marks a significant advancement in the development of ADCs for cancer treatment. With ZL-6201, Zai Lab continues to expand its oncology pipeline, reflecting its commitment to addressing unmet medical needs and advancing innovative cancer therapies on a global scale.