Zymeworks Presents Initial Clinical Data from the Phase 1 trial of ZW191, an Antibody-Drug Conjugate Targeting Folate Receptor-⍺ at AACR-NCI-EORTC Conference

Core Insights - Zymeworks Inc. announced preliminary results from a Phase 1 study of ZW191, an antibody-drug conjugate targeting folate receptor-alpha, at the AACR-NCI-EORTC Conference [1][2] Study Results - The Phase 1 study enrolled 41 patients with heavily pretreated platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, metastatic endometrial cancer, and metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, with 85% of patients remaining on treatment [3] - The maximum tolerated dose was determined to be 11.2 mg/kg, with dose optimization planned for 6.4 mg/kg and 9.6 mg/kg, involving approximately 30 patients in each cohort [4] Efficacy and Safety - ZW191 demonstrated a 44% overall response rate (ORR) across all response-evaluable participants and a 53% ORR for doses between 6.4 mg/kg and 9.6 mg/kg [6] - In gynecological cancer participants, the ORR was 50% overall and 64% for doses ≥6.4 mg/kg, with responses observed starting at 3.2 mg/kg [6] - The safety profile was manageable, with low rates of dose modifications and no serious treatment-related adverse events reported [6] Technology and Mechanism - ZW191 is designed to target folate receptor-alpha, which is present in approximately 75% of high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas and 70% of lung adenocarcinomas, utilizing a proprietary payload to kill tumor cells [8] Company Overview - Zymeworks is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel biotherapeutics for difficult-to-treat diseases, including cancer and autoimmune diseases, with a robust pipeline and strategic partnerships [9]