Zymeworks to Present Preclinical Data on ADC Programs at EORTC-NCI-AACR Conference

Zymeworks Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company, is making strides in the development of innovative biotherapeutics aimed at improving treatment standards for challenging cancers and other diseases. The company recently announced that it will present findings from its preclinical research on two of its antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) candidates, ZW220 and ZW251, at the upcoming EORTC-NCI-AACR Conference in Barcelona from October 23-25, 2024.

The presentations will shed light on the significant progress achieved with these candidates, which are developed using Zymeworks’ proprietary ADC platforms. ZW220 has shown promising preclinical activity in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), ovarian, and uterine cancer models. ZW251 has demonstrated efficacy in preclinical models of hepatocellular carcinoma. These advancements leverage Zymeworks' novel payload, ZD06519, enhancing the therapeutic potential of their ADCs.

Paul Moore, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer at Zymeworks, expressed enthusiasm about the preclinical results and the potential impact of these next-generation ADC programs. He noted that the company is on track to file Investigational New Drug (IND) applications for these candidates in 2025. This follows the recent progress of other ADC programs, ZW171 and ZW191, which are currently in Phase 1 clinical trials.

The oral presentation on ZW220, titled "ZW220, a NaPi2b-directed topoisomerase I inhibitor Antibody-Drug Conjugate, demonstrates compelling preclinical activity in NSCLC, ovarian and uterine cancer models, with a favorable toxicology profile in non-human primates," will take place on October 25 from 12:00-12:12 pm Central European Summer Time (CEST).

Additionally, a poster presentation on ZW251, titled "ZW251, a novel glypican-3-targeting antibody-drug conjugate bearing a topoisomerase I inhibitor payload demonstrates compelling preclinical activity in hepatocellular carcinoma models," will be part of the session on Antibody-Drug Conjugates.

Zymeworks is dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel biotherapeutics. The company’s platforms and integrated drug development capabilities enable the precise engineering of differentiated antibody-based therapeutic candidates. Among its notable developments is zanidatamab, a HER2-targeted bispecific antibody created using Zymeworks’ Azymetric™ technology. This candidate is being explored in multiple global clinical trials as a potential best-in-class treatment for HER2-expressing cancers.

The company's efforts have led to significant regulatory milestones. A Biologics License Application (BLA) has been accepted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for zanidatamab as a treatment for previously-treated, unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic HER2-positive biliary tract cancer (BTC). The application has also received Priority Review status. Additionally, a BLA has been accepted for review by China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). If approved, zanidatamab would be the first HER2-targeted treatment for BTC in both the U.S. and China.

Zymeworks is rapidly advancing its pipeline of wholly-owned product candidates, harnessing its expertise in ADCs and multispecific antibody therapeutics to target novel pathways in areas with significant unmet medical needs. The Phase 1 studies for ZW171 and ZW191 are actively recruiting participants worldwide. Moreover, the company's therapeutic platforms have been further utilized through strategic collaborations with global biopharmaceutical companies.