Zai Lab Ltd (NASDAQ: ZLAB) has announced positive preliminary results from its Phase 1 clinical trial of ZL-1310, an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) being developed for the treatment of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). The data, presented at the EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium in Barcelona, Spain, showed promising anti-tumor activity in patients with extensive-stage SCLC who had previously failed chemotherapy.
Promising Early Results
The Phase 1 study evaluated ZL-1310 in patients with SCLC who had received prior chemotherapy. According to Zai Lab, anti-tumor activity was observed in 74% of the 19 patients assessed after at least one dose of the drug. The treatment was also found to have a favorable pharmacokinetic and safety profile.
Dr. Alex Spira, an American oncologist, commented on the results in a press release from Zai Lab, stating, "The preliminary results from the ongoing Phase 1 trial of ZL-1310 suggest that this next-generation antibody drug conjugate [ADC] therapy has the potential to deliver anti-tumour responses in the majority of patients with extensive-stage SCLC, with good tolerability."
Addressing an Unmet Need in SCLC
SCLC is an aggressive form of lung cancer, accounting for 10-15% of all lung cancer cases. The five-year survival rate for SCLC is approximately 6.5%, highlighting the urgent need for more effective treatments, especially for patients who have progressed after initial chemotherapy.
Rafael G. Amado, President of Zai Lab, stated, "Based on the encouraging preliminary findings from our Phase 1 trial, we look forward to continuing development of ZL-1310 and advancing this promising asset across lines of therapy as part of our global oncology pipeline."
Financial Outlook
Following the release of these clinical trial results, Cantor Fitzgerald reissued its "overweight" rating for Zai Lab, indicating a positive outlook on the stock's value. JPMorgan Chase & Co also gave the same rating this week and raised its share target by US$6.00 to US$44.00.
Zai Lab reported a 45% year-over-year increase in net product revenues during its Q2 earnings call in August, generating over US$100 million. This growth was attributed to the success of its version of efgartigimod alfa, a treatment for myasthenia gravis.
