Dr. Moore will lead Zymeworks’ Early Research
& Development Group responsible for advancing the Company’s
next-generation of multispecific antibody programs and antibody
drug conjugate (ADC) programs into clinical studies
Zymeworks Inc. (NYSE: ZYME), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical
company developing next-generation multifunctional biotherapeutics,
today announced that it is strengthening its senior leadership team
with the appointment of Paul Moore, Ph.D., as Chief Scientific
Officer, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. Dr.
Moore brings more than 25 years of US-based experience in biologics
drug discovery and development in biotechnology research. His
career efforts have led to the discovery and development of a range
of FDA-approved and clinical-stage biologics for patients with
difficult-to-treat cancers and autoimmune conditions. Dr. Moore’s
anticipated start date is July 18, 2022.
“Paul brings extensive experience in pre-clinical, translational
and early clinical development of novel biologic-based
therapeutics, and we are excited that he is joining Zymeworks in
this key role at such an important stage of our company’s growth,”
said Kenneth Galbraith, Chair and CEO of Zymeworks. “Since becoming
CEO in early 2022, I have watched the world-class scientists in our
Early Research and Development group make considerable progress in
advancing our next generation of potential clinical candidates with
the current objective of two new IND (Investigational New Drug)
filings by 2024. With zanidatamab and ZW49 progressing rapidly
through clinical development, Paul will be instrumental in driving
our scientific vision and determining our future product pipeline
development strategy as the leader of our renewed Early Research
and Development Group.”
“I am very pleased to join Zymeworks and help in translating the
transformative impact of our novel approach to antibody engineering
to improve cancer treatment,” said Dr. Moore. “I am looking forward
to working collaboratively with my new colleagues and the Research
Leadership Team to help write the next chapter of Zymeworks’ story
by advancing novel, best-in-class ADC and multispecific product
candidates to IND-enabling studies and beyond.”
Immediately prior to joining Zymeworks, Dr. Moore served as Vice
President, Cell Biology, and Immunology at MacroGenics, heading a
team of approximately 50 researchers focused on developing
antibody-based therapeutics, including numerous bispecific
antibodies and ADCs. During his time at MacroGenics, Paul worked on
the development of numerous clinical stage compounds, including
retifanlimab (anti-PD-1 mAb), teplizumab (anti-CD3 mAb for Type I
diabetes), margetuximab (anti-HER2 mAb), enoblituzumab (anti-B7-H3
mAb), various CD3 based bispecifics including flotetuzumab (CD123 x
CD3), bispecifics targeting multiple checkpoints tebotelimab
(PD-1xLAG-3) and lorigerlimab (PD-1xCTLA-4), CD32BxCD79B bispecific
for autoimmunity and ADC molecules targeting B7-H3 or ADAM-9. Dr.
Moore worked on scientific collaborations with a range of
pharmaceutical partners, including Pfizer, Servier, Gilead, Takeda,
Janssen, Roche and Zai Labs.
Prior to joining MacroGenics, he was Director of Cell Biology at
Celera where he oversaw research efforts to develop novel
antibody-based therapeutics. Early in his career, he served as
Director of Lead Product Development at Human Genome Sciences
(HGS), including managing genomic-based target discovery programs
that led to the discovery, development, approval, and
commercialization of Benlysta (belimumab) for the treatment of
systemic lupus erythematosus. In 2012, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
acquired HGS for $3.6 billion, and GSK reported sales of
approximately $0.75 billion for Benlysta during 2021.
In 1991, Dr. Moore received a Ph.D. in molecular genetics from
the University of Glasgow. He has an extensive research record
co-authoring over 75 peer-reviewed manuscripts and is a named
co-inventor on over 50 issued US patents.
Dr. Moore’s appointment builds on the Company’s new focus on
extending its leadership in the biopharmaceutical industry with a
renewed organization and expanding pipeline of product candidates
with the potential to make a significant difference for patients
around the world with difficult-to-treat cancers. Dr. Moore will be
responsible for advancing Zymeworks’ cornerstone multispecific
antibody and ADC programs to clinical studies and overseeing the
Company’s Early Research and Development Group. Paul’s experience
in forming and managing partnerships and collaborations with
pharmaceutical companies will be helpful as Zymeworks integrates
such partnerships and collaborations into its product development
strategy.
Zymeworks’ Research Leadership Team consists of four research
team leads, reporting to Dr. Moore, in ADC Therapeutic Development
Technology and Preclinical Programs, and Multispecific Antibody
Therapeutics Technology and Preclinical Programs:
Stuart Barnscher, Director, ADC Research
Mr. Barnscher leads the discovery and development of novel ADC
technologies and drug candidates with a focus on in vitro and in
vivo pharmacology. He was instrumental in the development of the
two ADC drug-linker technologies associated with Zymeworks’
ZymeLink™ platform and, since joining Zymeworks in 2016, he has
made significant contributions to the design and development of
ZW49. Mr. Barnscher obtained his undergraduate degree in
biochemistry from the University of British Columbia.
Jamie Rich, Ph.D., Director, ADC Research
Dr. Rich focuses on discovery and pipeline applications of new
ADC technologies. Since joining Zymeworks in 2016, he has
contributed to ZW49, led several pipeline programs, and overseen
development of a Topoisomerase 1 inhibitor ADC platform. Dr. Rich
is a co-inventor of multiple technologies associated with
Zymeworks’ ZymeLink™ platform. He received a Ph.D. from the
University of Alberta and held a postdoctoral fellowship at the
University of British Columbia.
Thomas Spreter Von Kreudenstein, Ph.D., Director, Protein
Engineering
Dr. Spreter Von Kreudenstein leads protein engineering and
multispecific antibody technologies at Zymeworks. Since joining
Zymeworks in 2010, he was one of the lead inventors of Zymeworks’
Azymetric™ technology and has led immune-oncology research programs
at the Company, including T-cell engager and cytokine fusion
programs. Dr. Spreter Von Kreudenstein received his Ph.D. from the
University of Berlin and held a postdoctoral fellowship at the
University of British Columbia.
Nina Weisser, Ph.D., Director, Multispecific Research
Dr. Weisser leads the development of multispecific antibody
therapeutics with a focus on mechanism of action studies. Since
joining Zymeworks in 2012, she has led several research programs,
including zanidatamab from discovery to early development. Dr.
Weisser received her Ph.D. from the University of Guelph and held a
post-doctoral fellowship at the National University of Ireland.
Oversight of the Company’s research strategy is provided by a
committee of the Board of Directors comprised of Dr. Natalie Sacks,
Dr. Kenneth Hillan and Dr. Kelvin Neu. The Company also intends to
reset the membership of its Scientific Advisory Board in
conjunction with the Early Research and Development investor day to
be held during the fourth quarter of 2022.
About Zymeworks Inc.
Zymeworks is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company
dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of
next-generation multifunctional biotherapeutics. Zymeworks’ suite
of therapeutic platforms and its fully integrated drug development
engine enable precise engineering of highly differentiated product
candidates. Zymeworks’ lead clinical candidate, zanidatamab, is a
novel Azymetric™ HER2-targeted bispecific antibody currently being
evaluated in multiple Phase 1, Phase 2, and pivotal clinical trials
globally as a targeted treatment option for patients with solid
tumors that express HER2. Zymeworks’ second clinical candidate,
ZW49, is a novel bispecific HER2‑targeted antibody-drug conjugate
currently in Phase 1 clinical development and combines the unique
design and antibody framework of zanidatamab with Zymeworks’
proprietary ZymeLink™ linker and cytotoxin. Zymeworks is also
advancing a deep preclinical pipeline in oncology (including
immuno-oncology agents) and other therapeutic areas. In addition,
its therapeutic platforms are being leveraged through strategic
partnerships with global biopharmaceutical companies. For more
information on our ongoing clinical trials visit
www.zymeworksclinicaltrials.com. For additional information about
Zymeworks, visit www.zymeworks.com and follow @ZymeworksInc on
Twitter.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within
the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995 and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of
Canadian securities laws, or collectively, forward-looking
statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release
include, but are not limited to, statements that relate to Dr.
Moore’s anticipated start date, the potential therapeutic effects
of zanidatamab and Zymeworks’ other product candidates, the
completion and timing of IND filings, Zymeworks’ clinical
development of its product candidates, related clinical trials,
anticipated clinical data presentations, the commercial potential
of technology platforms and product candidates, Zymeworks’
preclinical pipeline, the ability to advance product candidates
into later stages of development, the integration of partnerships
and collaborations into product development strategy, anticipated
changes to the Company’s scientific advisory board, the Company’s
anticipated investor day in the fourth quarter of 2022, and other
information that is not historical information. When used herein,
words such as “will”, “plans”, “may”, “expected”, “potential”, and
similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking
statements. In addition, any statements or information that refer
to expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives,
performance or other characterizations of future events or
circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are
forward-looking. All forward-looking statements are based upon
Zymeworks’ current expectations and various assumptions. Zymeworks
believes there is a reasonable basis for its expectations and
beliefs, but they are inherently uncertain. Zymeworks may not
realize its expectations, and its beliefs may not prove correct.
Actual results could differ materially from those described or
implied by such forward-looking statements as a result of various
factors, including, without limitation: the impact of the COVID-19
pandemic on Zymeworks’ business, research and clinical development
plans and timelines and results of operations, including impact on
its clinical trial sites, collaborators, and contractors who act
for or on Zymeworks’ behalf, may be more severe and more prolonged
than currently anticipated; clinical trials may not demonstrate
safety and efficacy of any of Zymeworks’ or its collaborators’
product candidates; any of Zymeworks’ or its partners’ product
candidates may fail in development, may not receive required
regulatory approvals, or may be delayed to a point where they are
not commercially viable; regulatory agencies may impose additional
requirements or delay the initiation of clinical trials; the impact
of new or changing laws and regulations; market conditions;
inability to maintain or enter into new partnerships or strategic
collaborations and the factors described under “Risk Factors” in
Zymeworks’ quarterly and annual reports filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission, including its Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for its quarter ended March 31, 2022 (a copy of which may be
obtained at www.sec.gov and www.sedar.com). Consequently,
forward-looking statements should be regarded solely as Zymeworks’
current plans, estimates and beliefs. Investors should not place
undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Zymeworks cannot
guarantee future results, events, levels of activity, performance
or achievements. Zymeworks does not undertake and specifically
declines any obligation to update, republish, or revise any
forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future
events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrences of
unanticipated events, except as may be required by law.
View source
version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220627005177/en/
Investor Inquiries: Jack Spinks (604) 678-1388
ir@zymeworks.com
Media Inquiries: Diana Papove (604) 678-1388
media@zymeworks.com
Zymeworks (NYSE:ZYME)
Historical Stock Chart
From Aug 2024 to Sep 2024
Zymeworks (NYSE:ZYME)
Historical Stock Chart
From Sep 2023 to Sep 2024