Zymeworks Shifts Focus to GPC3-Targeting ADC for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Zymeworks, a biopharmaceutical company specializing in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), has announced a strategic shift in its clinical development pipeline. The company is prioritizing the advancement of ZW251, a promising ADC targeting Glypican-3 (GPC3), while temporarily pausing plans for another candidate.

ZW251 Takes Center Stage

Zymeworks has accelerated its timeline for ZW251, aiming to submit an Investigational New Drug (IND) application in the coming months. This decision is based on encouraging preclinical results and the potential to address a significant unmet need in hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.

Dr. Paul Moore, Chief Scientific Officer at Zymeworks, emphasized the unique opportunity presented by ZW251: "With a potential best-in-class design and differentiated mechanism, we believe our pipeline presents meaningful opportunities for both strategic partnerships and value creation."

Resource Reallocation Impacts ZW220

To focus resources on ZW251, Zymeworks has paused preparations for phase 1 studies of ZW220, an ADC targeting human NaPi2b. Despite this setback, the company maintains that ZW220 remains a highly differentiated, IND-ready asset with strong commercial potential and partnership opportunities.

"We look forward to providing future updates on the development for ZW220," the company stated, indicating that the program may be revisited at a later date.

Expanding ADC Portfolio

Zymeworks' ADC pipeline continues to grow, with ZW191 entering phase 1 trials in November for advanced FR𝛼-expressing solid tumors. Additionally, the company's collaboration with Jazz Pharmaceuticals bore fruit as Ziihera received FDA approval for unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive (IHC 3+) biliary tract cancer in the same month.

These developments underscore Zymeworks' commitment to advancing novel ADC therapies across multiple cancer indications, positioning the company as a key player in the evolving landscape of targeted cancer treatments.