VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 09, 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 announced the appointment of Adam Schayowitz, Ph.D., MBA as Acting Chief Development Officer. In this role, Dr. Schayowitz will report directly to Zymeworks’ Chair & Chief Executiv ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has approximately $500 million left in regulatory milestones and about $860 million in commercial milestones, with royalties ranging from 10% to 20% based on net sales [10][11][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The zanidatamab program is a significant focus, with upcoming Phase 3 study readouts expected in Q4, which could drive value for the company [6][10] - ZW171 has been discontinued due to on-target, off-tumor toxicity, reflecting the company's disciplined approach to capital allocation [14][16][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The competitive landscape for zanidatamab includes potential opportunities in breast cancer, with Jazz Pharmaceuticals exploring this area [11][12] - ZW191 is positioned as a strong contender in the folate receptor alpha ADC space, with a focus on differentiating its product through superior internalization and potency [20][21][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes a disciplined approach to capital allocation and decision-making regarding its pipeline programs, focusing on those with the highest potential for patient benefit [14][16] - The strategy includes exploring partnerships for various programs, particularly ZW191, to enhance development and market reach [30][39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the upcoming data readouts and the potential for zanidatamab to capture significant market value, estimating a valuation of over $2 billion [12][13][45] - The company is preparing for multiple catalysts over the next 12 to 18 months, including clinical studies for ZW251 and ZW209 [45] Other Important Information - The ZW209 program, utilizing a tri-TCE platform, is expected to enter clinical trials in the first half of 2026, showcasing the company's commitment to advancing its innovative pipeline [34][45] - The company is also exploring early-stage pipeline opportunities, including novel targets and ADCs, to leverage its protein engineering capabilities [33][34] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the significance of the upcoming zanidatamab readout? - The readout is expected to provide clarity on the differentiation of zanidatamab in the competitive landscape, particularly in gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma [6][7] Question: What are the financial implications of the zanidatamab program? - The company has significant regulatory and commercial milestones associated with zanidatamab, which could lead to substantial revenue through royalties and milestone payments [10][11] Question: What led to the discontinuation of ZW171? - The decision was based on a lack of efficacy and on-target, off-tumor toxicity, demonstrating the company's commitment to prudent capital allocation [14][16][17] Question: How does Zymeworks differentiate its ADCs? - The company focuses on the holistic design of ADCs, ensuring that the antibody is optimized for internalization and payload delivery, which sets it apart from competitors [20][21][22] Question: What are the next steps for ZW191? - The company is considering partnerships for ZW191 and exploring various tumor types for clinical trials, including ovarian and endometrial cancers [30][39]

Core Points - Zymeworks Inc. has decided to voluntarily discontinue the clinical development of ZW171, a T-cell engager targeting gynecological, thoracic, and digestive system cancers [1] - The decision was made after completing the planned cohorts of the dose escalation portion of the Phase 1 trial in patients with ovarian cancer and non-small cell lung cancer [2] - Zymeworks determined that further dose evaluation would unlikely support a benefit-risk profile consistent with the desired monotherapy target product profile [3] - While cytokine release syndrome was well-managed, dose-limiting toxicities were observed, consistent with mesothelin-related on-target off-tumor toxicity [4] - Ongoing participants in the Phase 1 trial will continue treatment at the discretion of their investigator, and those who have discontinued will continue safety follow-up as per the study protocol [4] - The company continues to advance its broader product pipeline, including ongoing trials for ZW191 and ZW251, with an IND filing for ZW209 planned for the first half of 2026 [5] - Following the announcement, ZYME stock decreased by 5%, trading at $14.07 [5]

Core Viewpoint - Zymeworks Inc. has decided to voluntarily discontinue the clinical development of ZW171, a T cell engager targeting specific cancers, after evaluating the results from the Phase 1 trial, which indicated that further development would not support a favorable benefit-risk profile [1][3][4]. Company Overview - Zymeworks Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel biotherapeutics for difficult-to-treat diseases, including cancer, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases [1][5]. - The company utilizes proprietary technologies, such as Azymetric™, to engineer and develop differentiated antibody-based therapeutic candidates [5]. Clinical Development Update - The decision to halt ZW171's development was based on the completion of planned cohorts in the Phase 1 trial, where a maximum tolerated dose was established, but dose-limiting toxicities were observed [3]. - Ongoing participants in the trial will continue treatment at the discretion of their investigators, while those who have discontinued will undergo safety follow-up as per the study protocol [3]. Future Pipeline - Despite the setback with ZW171, Zymeworks is advancing its broader product pipeline, including the ongoing Phase 1 trial of ZW191 and the expected initiation of a Phase 1 study for ZW251 in 2025 [4]. - The company is also preparing an IND filing for ZW209, a DLL3-directed trispecific T cell engager, planned for the first half of 2026 [4]. Product Achievements - Zymeworks has developed zanidatamab, a HER2-targeted bispecific antibody, which has received accelerated approval from the U.S. FDA and conditional approvals in China and Europe for treating specific cancer types [5]. - Zanidatamab is being evaluated in multiple global clinical trials as a potential best-in-class treatment for various HER2-expressing cancers [5]. Strategic Partnerships - The company has entered into agreements with BeOne Medicines Ltd. and Jazz Pharmaceuticals, granting them exclusive rights to develop and commercialize zanidatamab in different territories [5].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue increased to $48.7 million in Q2 2025 from $19.2 million in Q2 2024, primarily due to a $20 million milestone from B1 and recognition of $80.3 million in deferred revenue [15][16] - Operating expenses decreased by 20% to $49.4 million in Q2 2025 from $62.1 million in Q2 2024, mainly due to a prior year impairment charge [17] - Net income was $2.3 million for Q2 2025, compared to a net loss of $37.7 million in Q2 2024 [17][18] - Cash resources increased to $333.4 million as of June 30, 2025, from $124.2 million at the end of 2024 [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has three product candidates in active Phase I trials in 2025, with two additional candidates expected to enter the clinic in 2026 [7][8] - Zanadatumab showed a median progression-free survival of 15.2 months and overall survival of 36.5 months in a study involving HER2 positive tumors [9][10] - The company recognized a $7.5 million option exercise payment related to a licensing agreement with BMS [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Conditional regulatory approvals for zanadatumab in China and Europe are expected to increase international patient access and potential future royalties [10][13] - The company anticipates an increase in royalty revenues from zanadatumab's international approvals for biliary tract cancer [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage its proprietary technology platforms and strategic partnerships to enhance asset value and deliver long-term returns for shareholders [44][46] - The focus is on advancing a wholly owned pipeline of differentiated antibody drug conjugates and multi-specific antibodies across various therapeutic areas [46][48] - The company is committed to maintaining a science-first approach while exploring partnerships to share risk and resources [48][49] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management emphasized the importance of capital discipline and clarity in strategy to drive long-term value [44][51] - The company is focused on maximizing cash flow streams from royalties and other healthcare assets while maintaining flexibility in operations [51][52] - Anticipated growth in royalty and milestone income is not expected to trigger an automatic increase in operational expenditures [51] Other Important Information - The company presented data on its novel IL-4, IL-33 bispecific antibody for COPD at a recent conference, highlighting its potential in treating respiratory diseases [36][38] - The IND clearance for ZW251, targeting hepatocellular carcinoma, is seen as a significant advancement in the company's pipeline [28][29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Will PDL1 status be broken out for the triplet for arm C in the top line? - The inclusion of data in a top line press release will be determined by Jazz and B1, the sponsors of the studies [56][57] Question: How much of the ZANI $525 million regulatory milestone is weighted towards GEA versus other indications? - There is $500 million left in development milestones with Jazz, but no specific guidance on allocation has been provided [57] Question: How does ZW191 compare to other topoisomerase-based ADCs? - The company aims to create a differentiated asset with a novel mechanism and tolerability profile, which could allow for combinations with other treatments [60][63] Question: What is the approach for evaluating ZW251 in liver cancer patients? - The company will systematically study the tolerability and efficacy of ZW251 in appropriate patient subsets, considering liver impairment [68][69] Question: When can data from the Phase I trial of ZW191 be expected? - Initial data is anticipated to be shared at peer-reviewed meetings in 2025 or 2026, depending on abstract acceptance [74] Question: What is known about the expression of alpha in non-small cell lung cancer? - Analysis shows a subset of non-small cell lung cancer patients with BOLT receptor expression, encouraging further evaluation in this indication [78]

Financial Performance & Partnerships - Recognized approximately $75 million in 2025, including around $45 million from partnership-related cash milestones and option exercise fees, which significantly reduced net operating cash burn in the first half of 2025 compared to the first half of 2024[12] - Milestone, option exercise, and related deferred revenue of $45.8 million recognized in 2Q 2025 from BeOne and BMS[16, 17] - Potential future milestone payments from existing partnerships could reach up to $6.1278 billion, with royalty rates varying from low single-digit percentages to 20% depending on the partner and therapeutic indication[13] - Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaled $324.2 million in 2Q 2025, an increase of $9.2 million year-to-date, benefiting from milestone revenues and favorable working capital movements[16, 17] Clinical Development Updates - Investigational New Drug (IND) application cleared for ZW251, with first-in-human studies planned to start in 2025[11, 12, 47] - Phase 2 trial initiated to evaluate zanidatamab in HER2+ neoadjuvant and adjuvant breast cancer[12] - Bristol Myers Squibb collaboration progresses with a $7.5 million option exercise payment to Zymeworks[12] - ZW171: Global Phase 1 study in MSLN-Expressing Solid Tumors (NCT06523803) is an open-label, FIH, dose-escalation study (N~160)[19] - ZW191: Global Phase 1 Study in FRα-Expressing Solid Tumors (NCT06555744) is an open-label, FIH, dose-escalation study (N~145)[24] Zanidatamab Regulatory & Clinical Progress - NMPA granted BeOne conditional approval of zanidatamab in China for BTC, resulting in a $20 million payment to Zymeworks[12] - EMA granted conditional marketing approval of zanidatamab in Europe for BTC, expanding patient access and potential future royalties payable to Zymeworks[12, 47] - Jazz presented encouraging overall survival (OS) data for zanidatamab in 1L HER2+ GEA at the ASCO Annual Congress, showing a median OS of 36.5 months[12]

Core Insights - Zymeworks Inc. reported financial results for Q2 2025, highlighting significant revenue growth and advancements in its clinical pipeline, particularly with its lead product zanidatamab [1][16]. Financial Performance - Total revenue for Q2 2025 was $48.7 million, a substantial increase from $19.2 million in Q2 2024, driven by milestone payments and deferred revenue recognition [16]. - Research and Development (R&D) expenses rose to $34.4 million in Q2 2025 from $29.2 million in Q2 2024, reflecting increased investment in various clinical programs [16]. - The company achieved a net income of $2.3 million in Q2 2025, a significant turnaround from a net loss of $37.7 million in Q2 2024 [16][21]. Clinical Developments - Zymeworks has three product candidates expected to enter active Phase 1 trials in the second half of 2025, with two additional candidates on track for 2026 [2]. - The IND application for ZW251 was cleared by the FDA, with first-in-human studies planned for 2025 [3][7]. - Zanidatamab has shown promising results in clinical trials, with a median progression-free survival of 15.2 months and overall survival of 36.5 months in patients with HER2-positive gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma [9][10]. Strategic Partnerships - The company has established strategic partnerships that have validated its Azymetric platform, generating meaningful revenue and supporting clinical development [2]. - Zymeworks recognized $20 million in milestone revenue from BeOne Medicines related to the conditional approval of zanidatamab in China [10]. - The collaboration with Jazz Pharmaceuticals for zanidatamab is expected to enhance future royalties, with the European Commission granting conditional marketing authorization for the treatment of HER2-positive biliary tract cancer [11]. Cash Position - As of June 30, 2025, Zymeworks had cash resources of $333.4 million, providing a projected cash runway into the second half of 2027 [3][16].

Core Insights - Zymeworks Inc. has received FDA clearance for its investigational new drug application for ZW251, a novel glypican-3 (GPC3)-targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) aimed at treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) [1][2] Company Overview - Zymeworks is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing multifunctional biotherapeutics for challenging diseases such as cancer, inflammation, and autoimmune disorders [4] - The company has a robust pipeline, including zanidatamab, a HER2-targeted bispecific antibody, which has received various regulatory approvals in the U.S., Europe, and China [4] Product Development - ZW251 is engineered to selectively target GPC3, which is expressed in over 75% of HCC cases, and is designed with a drug-antibody ratio (DAR) of four to enhance dosing flexibility [2] - Preclinical studies of ZW251 have shown strong anti-tumor activity and favorable tolerability in various HCC models, with a notable safety profile in non-human primate studies at doses up to 120 mg/kg [2][3] - The company plans to initiate Phase 1 clinical trials for ZW251 in 2025, marking the second ADC from its pipeline to enter clinical development [3][5]

Pipeline and Technology - Zymeworks has a differentiated pipeline of multifunctional therapeutics targeting solid tumor oncology and autoimmune & inflammatory diseases [8] - The company's ADC technologies combine antibodies with potent payloads for targeted delivery [7] - MSAT technology enhances therapy precision and efficacy, targeting complex disease mechanisms [7] - Zymeworks is advancing next-generation T cell engagers to overcome biological challenges [35] Zanidatamab and Partnerships - Zanidatamab has a potential peak sales of over $2 billion [22] - Zymeworks has a licensing agreement with Jazz Pharmaceuticals, eligible for up to $500 million in regulatory milestones and $862.5 million in commercial milestones [25] - Zymeworks has a licensing agreement with BeiGene, eligible for up to $164 million in development and commercial milestones [25] - Royalties from Jazz are tiered between 10-20%, and from BeiGene, from the high single digits to 19.5% [25] Financials and Milestones - Zymeworks has approximately $321.6 million in cash resources [7] - The company anticipates potential regulatory decisions in the EU and China for zanidatamab in 2L BTC in 2025 [167] - Zymeworks expects an IND submission for ZW251 (GPC3) by mid-2025 [167]

Core Insights - Zymeworks Inc. reported financial results for Q1 2025, highlighting a significant increase in revenue and ongoing advancements in its clinical pipeline [1][15][20] Recent Developments - The appointment of Dr. Sabeen Mekan as Senior Vice President of Clinical Development is expected to enhance Zymeworks' oncology portfolio and regulatory strategy [3] - Six posters were presented at the AACR annual meeting, showcasing progress in the company's T cell engager and antibody-drug conjugate platforms [4][5] Financial Performance - Revenue for Q1 2025 was $27.1 million, a substantial increase from $10.0 million in Q1 2024, driven by milestone revenues from GSK and Daiichi Sankyo [15] - Research and development expenses rose to $35.7 million in Q1 2025 from $32.0 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to increased activities related to ZW251 and ZW209 [16] - The net loss for Q1 2025 was $22.6 million, down from $31.7 million in the same period last year, attributed to higher revenues [20] Cash Position - As of March 31, 2025, Zymeworks had $321.6 million in cash resources, expected to fund operations into the second half of 2027 [21] Pipeline and Collaborations - Zymeworks is advancing multiple clinical candidates, including ZW171 and ZW191, with an investigational new drug application for ZW251 planned by mid-2025 [22] - The company has strategic partnerships with BeiGene and Jazz Pharmaceuticals for the development and commercialization of zanidatamab [22][8]