Pipeline

We are advancing our lead molecule, obexelimab, to address key unmet needs.

Obexelimab

Obexelimab is a potential best-in-class bifunctional monoclonal antibody designed to bind both CD19 and Fcγ receptor IIb (FcγRIIb), which are broadly present across B cell lineage, in order to inhibit the activity of cells that are implicated in many autoimmune diseases without depleting them. Simultaneous binding to CD19 and FcγRIIB by obexelimab mimics a natural antigen-antibody complex and down-regulates B-cell activity. In early-stage clinical studies, obexelimab effectively demonstrated inhibition of B-cell function without depleting the cells and was well-tolerated in patients with multiple autoimmune diseases. Zenas acquired exclusive worldwide rights to obexelimab from Xencor, Inc.

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD)

IgG4-RD is a chronic fibro-inflammatory disease that can affect virtually all organ systems, including the pancreas, biliary tract, salivary and lacrimal glands, lungs and kidneys. ~20,000 people are diagnosed with IgG4-RD in the U.S., with similar prevalence rates globally. Many patients have some degree of irreversible organ damage at the time of diagnosis. 

More information regarding Zenas’ phase 3 trial evaluating obexelimab for the prevention of flare in patients with IgG4-RD can be found here.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

MS is the most common immune-mediated, chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). MS is characterized by numerous demyelinating lesions of the brain and spinal cord, and symptoms include sensory and visual disturbances, motor, coordination impairment and spasticity, fatigue, pain and cognitive deficits. Over two million people worldwide, including as many as one million people in the United States, are affected by MS. 

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

SLE, the most common form of lupus, is a complex, chronic autoimmune disease characterized most notably by unpredictable flares in joints, skin, kidneys and other vital organs that cause progressive organ damage. SLE commonly affects CNS, kidneys, gastrointestinal system, mucous membranes, heart, skin, hematologic system, musculoskeletal system and lungs. At least 1.5 million Americans are afflicted by lupus, and more than 16,000 new cases are reported annually.

Warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA)

wAIHA is a type of autoimmune hemolytic anemia driven by IgG autoantibody binding to red blood cells causing the premature destruction of healthy red blood cells (hemolysis). wAIHA is the most common subtype of autoimmune hemolytic anemias (70 – 80% of adult cases). Over 40,000 people in the U.S. are impacted by the disease, with similar prevalence rates in other countries. 

More information regarding Zenas’ Phase 2/3 trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of obexelimab in patients with wAIHA can be found here.

ZB002 and ZB004

In addition to Obexelimab, Zenas owns exclusive worldwide rights to ZB002 and ZB004. ZB002 is a potential Best-in-Class anti-TNFα therapy with an extended half-life and less ADCC off-target activity as compared to existing anti-TNFα therapies. ZB004 is a potential Best-in-Class CTLA4-Ig fusion protein with an extended half-life and increased potency versus existing CTLA4-Ig fusion protein therapies. Zenas acquired exclusive worldwide rights to ZB002 and ZB004 from Xencor, Inc.

ZB001

ZB001, is an insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) monoclonal antibody (mAb) that we are developing for the potential treatment of patients with thyroid eye disease (TED). TED is a debilitating condition that significantly impacts quality of life and can cause proptosis (“bulging eyes”), double vision and vision loss. Zenas exclusively licensed China rights to develop and commercialize ZB001 from Viridian Therapeutics, Inc. ZB001 has First-in-Class potential in China and the program is advancing rapidly.