Zenas BioPharma Doses First Subject in Phase 1 Trial of Oral IL-17AA/AF Inhibitor
Zenas BioPharma has dosed the first subject in its Phase 1 trial of ZB021, an oral IL-17AA/AF inhibitor designed to evaluate safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers. Single and multiple ascending dose data are expected by year-end 2026, with proof-of-concept psoriasis results slated for 2027.
1. Phase 1 Trial Initiation
Zenas BioPharma has dosed the first subject in its Phase 1 trial of ZB021, marking the commencement of a study designed to assess safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic properties of single ascending doses (SAD) and multiple ascending doses (MAD) in healthy volunteers.
2. Robust Preclinical Profile
Preclinical data demonstrated potent inhibition of IL-17AA/AF signaling, strong anti-inflammatory activity in animal models and excellent oral bioavailability across multiple species, supporting ZB021’s potential as a best-in-class oral therapy for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
3. Development Timeline and Next Steps
Zenas expects to report SAD and MAD data by year-end 2026 and plans to initiate a North American proof-of-concept trial in plaque psoriasis patients in 2027, with a view to advancing directly into registration-directed studies given the validated IL-17 mechanism.