Zentalis Pharmaceuticals Reports Full Year 2024 Financial Results and Operational Updates

Core Insights - Zentalis Pharmaceuticals has reported positive clinical data for azenosertib, a WEE1 inhibitor, showing meaningful results in patients with Cyclin E1+ platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC) [1][2] - The company anticipates topline data from the registration-intent DENALI Part 2 study by the end of 2026 [1][3] - Zentalis has strengthened its management team to support its focused strategy and has a cash position projected to last into late 2027 [1][2] Clinical Development - Updated clinical data from the DENALI Part 1b study showed an objective response rate (ORR) of 34.9% in patients with Cyclin E1+ PROC tumors, with a median duration of response (mDOR) of 6.3 months as of January 13, 2025 [3] - In the MAMMOTH study, Cyclin E1+ patients treated with azenosertib had an ORR of 31.3% and an mDOR of 4.2 months [3] - The ZN-c3-001 Phase 1 study reported an ORR of 34.8% and an mDOR of 5.2 months for patients treated with azenosertib [3] - The company has aligned with the FDA on the study design for DENALI Part 2, which will begin enrollment in the first half of 2025 [3] Financial Performance - As of December 31, 2024, Zentalis had cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaling $371.1 million, sufficient to fund operations into late 2027 [1][5] - Research and development expenses for 2024 were$167.8 million, a decrease from $189.6 million in 2023, primarily due to reduced personnel expenses [5][12] - General and administrative expenses increased to$87.1 million in 2024 from $64.4 million in 2023, largely due to higher personnel costs [5][12] Corporate Updates - The company received Fast Track Designation from the FDA for azenosertib for treating PROC patients who are Cyclin E1 positive [4][6] - A strategic restructuring was announced in January 2025 to enhance efficiency in clinical development, which is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2025 [4][6] - Zentalis has continued patient enrollment in various clinical trials, including studies for uterine serous carcinoma and in combination with bevacizumab [4][6]