Zymeworks Presents New Cancer Drug Candidates at AACR

Biotech company showcases clinical and preclinical data on antibody-drug conjugate programs, including novel RAS-targeting platform.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:20pm

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Zymeworks Inc. announced the acceptance of an oral presentation and six abstracts from its R&D portfolio for the upcoming American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting. The data highlights new clinical results for the folate receptor-alpha (FR?)-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) ZW191, as well as preclinical findings on a novel pan-RAS inhibitor ADC platform and other new ADC candidates like ZW418 and ZW427.

Why it matters

Zymeworks is developing a diverse pipeline of ADCs targeting various cancer-associated proteins and pathways, including RAS mutations which drive many difficult-to-treat solid tumors. The new data presented at AACR showcases the company's progress in advancing these innovative therapies, which have the potential to improve outcomes for cancer patients.

The details

The oral presentation will feature results from the Phase 1 dose escalation study of ZW191 in patients with advanced solid tumors. Preclinical data will also be presented on ZW191's combination potential with standard-of-care agents. Additionally, Zymeworks will highlight its novel pan-RAS inhibitor ADC platform, including candidates ZW418 targeting PTK7 in non-small cell lung cancer and ZW427 targeting Ly6E across RAS-mutant cancers. A CLDN18.2-targeting RAS ADC called ZW439 for pancreatic cancer will also be featured.

  • The AACR Annual Meeting will be held April 17-22, 2026 in San Diego, CA.
  • The oral presentation on ZW191 is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 2:30 - 4:30 pm Pacific Time.
  • Poster presentations on the various ADC programs will take place on Monday, April 20 and Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

The players

Zymeworks Inc.

A Canadian biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of antibody-drug conjugates and other innovative cancer therapies.

ZW191

A clinical-stage ADC targeting the folate receptor-alpha (FR?) protein, which is overexpressed in certain solid tumors like ovarian, endometrial, and non-small cell lung cancers.

ZW418

A novel biparatopic ADC targeting the PTK7 protein for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.

ZW427

An ADC targeting the Ly6E protein and delivering a novel pan-RAS inhibitor payload for RAS-mutant cancers.

ZW439

An ADC targeting the CLDN18.2 protein and incorporating a pan-RAS inhibitor payload for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

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What’s next

Zymeworks plans to provide further updates on the clinical development of ZW191 and the advancement of its novel RAS-targeting ADC platform as the research progresses.

The takeaway

Zymeworks is making strides in developing a diverse pipeline of innovative antibody-drug conjugates that leverage novel targets and payloads to address unmet needs in difficult-to-treat cancers driven by RAS mutations and other genetic alterations.