Zymeworks Showcases Six ADC Programs Including Pan-RAS Inhibitors with 1 mg/kg Efficacy
Zymeworks showcased six preclinical ADC programs at AACR 2026, including first-in-class pan-RAS inhibitor ADCs demonstrating strong tumor regressions at single doses as low as 1 mg/kg across multiple solid tumor models and favorable tolerability in rodents and non-human primates. New programs target Ly6E, CLDN18.2, PTK7 and FRα with novel payloads.
1. Preclinical ADC Program Overview
Zymeworks presented six poster presentations at AACR 2026 detailing next-generation antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) programs, including novel RAS-targeting platforms and payload innovations. These programs span ADCs directed at FRα, Ly6E, CLDN18.2 and PTK7, demonstrating broad applicability across multiple solid tumor models.
2. Pan-RAS Inhibitor ADC Platform
The pan-RAS inhibitor ADC platform exhibited strong tumor regressions in RAS-mutant models at single doses as low as 1 mg/kg, with improved tumor selectivity versus orally administered inhibitors and favorable tolerability in rodents and non-human primates. This platform supports development of broadly applicable ADCs for RAS-driven cancers.
3. Emerging Clinical and Preclinical Assets
Clinical-stage ZW191, a folate receptor alpha–targeting ADC with a moderate-potency topoisomerase I payload, showed promising combination potential and a favorable tolerability profile in nonclinical studies. Other preclinical assets include ZW418 (PTK7-targeting), ZW427 (Ly6E-targeting) and ZW439 (CLDN18.2-targeting), all demonstrating robust anti-tumor activity and tolerability.