Zymeworks licenses experimental lung cancer drug to Roche in up to $813 million deal
Zymeworks said Roche gained global rights to develop and commercialize its experimental lung cancer drug ZW209 in a deal worth up to $813 million. Zymeworks will receive $55 million upfront and could collect $718 million in milestones, plus tiered royalties.
1. Deal terms
Zymeworks said Roche will pay $55 million upfront and an additional $40 million when it begins a planned dose-optimization study of ZW209. The agreement also includes up to $718 million in development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments, plus tiered royalties on future sales.
2. Development plans
Roche will take over development after Zymeworks completes the dose-escalation portion of an ongoing early-stage study. The drug targets DLL3, a protein commonly found on small-cell lung cancer cells but rarely seen in healthy tissue. Zymeworks CEO Kenneth Galbraith said Roche agreed to partner before efficacy data were available, citing the innovation and differentiation of the company’s trispecific T-cell engager platform. The first patient is expected to be enrolled before the end of 2026.
