Zymeworks Inc. (Nasdaq: ZYME) announced the appointment of Adam Schayowitz, Ph.D., MBA as Acting Chief Development Officer, bringing extensive oncology drug development expertise to advance the clinical-stage biotechnology company's diverse pipeline of multifunctional biotherapeutics for cancer, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases.
Dr. Schayowitz will report directly to Chair & Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Galbraith and collaborate with Zymeworks' R&D and Business Development teams to advance the company's broad portfolio of nominated product candidates while supporting the integration of partnerships and collaborations into the wholly-owned portfolio. The role is part-time, allowing Dr. Schayowitz to continue serving as an Operating Partner at EcoR1 Capital, LLC, a biotech-focused investment advisory firm.
Extensive Oncology Development Experience
Dr. Schayowitz brings nearly 20 years of experience in oncology drug development, having led dozens of global development programs from initiation through approval and commercialization. His career includes serving as Vice President at Pfizer Oncology, where he held various development leadership roles across breast cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer and melanoma, ultimately serving as Head of Product Development Teams.
Prior to Pfizer, Dr. Schayowitz led the development of Zejula (niraparib) at Tesaro and was a member of the Medical Affairs leadership team at Algeta supporting the commercialization of Xofigo (Radium-223). He currently serves as a Board Member at Terremoto Biosciences and as a Board Observer for Aktis Oncology.
"Adam joins Zymeworks at a pivotal moment, as we continue to advance a range of therapeutic candidates in areas of high unmet need, and prepare additional candidates for the clinic," said Kenneth Galbraith. "With recent milestones including the investigational new drug clearance for ZW251 and expanded global approvals of zanidatamab, we are focused on execution across our development pipeline and expanding our strategic partnerships."
Advancing Innovative Biotherapeutics Pipeline
Zymeworks has engineered and developed zanidatamab, a HER2-targeted bispecific antibody using the company's proprietary Azymetric™ technology. The drug has received accelerated approval from the U.S. FDA, conditional approval from the NMPA in China, and conditional marketing authorization from the European Commission for treating adults with previously treated, unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive (IHC 3+) biliary tract cancer. Zanidatamab represents the first and only dual HER2-targeted bispecific antibody approved for this indication in the U.S., Europe, and China.
The company has entered into separate agreements with BeOne Medicines Ltd. (formerly BeiGene, Ltd.) and Jazz Pharmaceuticals Ireland Limited, granting each exclusive rights to develop and commercialize zanidatamab in different territories. Zanidatamab is being evaluated in multiple global clinical trials as a potential best-in-class treatment for patients with multiple HER2-expressing cancers.
Zymeworks is rapidly advancing a robust pipeline of wholly-owned product candidates, leveraging expertise in both antibody drug conjugates and multispecific antibody therapeutics targeting novel pathways in areas of significant unmet medical need. A Phase 1 study for ZW191 is actively recruiting and ZW251 is expected to enter clinical trials in 2025.
Strategic Focus on Partnerships and Innovation
"The breadth and differentiation of Zymeworks' clinical and preclinical portfolio, combined with its proven track record of advancing product candidates into the clinic, reflects the strength of the Company's scientific team and R&D strategy," said Dr. Schayowitz. "I am eager to collaborate with the R&D and Business Development teams to continue appropriate levels of R&D investment in the portfolio, while strengthening the partnerships and collaborations that are central to Zymeworks' approach."
Zymeworks' complementary therapeutic platforms and fully integrated drug development engine provide flexibility and compatibility to precisely engineer and develop highly differentiated antibody-based therapeutic candidates. The company's therapeutic platforms have been further leveraged through strategic partnerships with global biopharmaceutical companies.
Dr. Schayowitz holds a BA from Hamilton College, a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from The University of Maryland, and an MBA from Johns Hopkins University.
