Collaboration to evaluate ZEN-3694 in combination with Talazoparib in TNBC patients; Phase 1b/2 trial expected to initiate 1Q 2019
CALGARY, Alberta, Nov. 20, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zenith Epigenetics Ltd. (“Zenith” or the “Company”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zenith Capital Corp., announced today that it has entered into a clinical trial collaboration with Pfizer Inc. (“Pfizer”; NYSE: PFE) to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel anti-cancer combination of Zenith’s investigational bromodomain and extra-terminal domain inhibitor (“BETi”), ZEN-3694, and Pfizer’s poly ADP ribose polymerase inhibitor (“PARPi”), talazoparib, in patients with locally advanced or metastatic triple negative breast cancer (“TNBC”).
“Zenith is excited to announce this partnership with Pfizer, a leader in oncology,” said Don McCaffrey, Chief Executive Officer of Zenith. “This novel approach of combining a BETi and a PARPi in patients who do not have inherited BRCA gene mutations may prove to significantly increase the potential of PARP inhibition in different indications, with an initial focus on triple negative breast cancer.”
Preclinical data indicate that combining talazoparib with ZEN-3694 is a rational combination to test in patients that are proficient in homologous DNA repair. BETi have been shown pre-clinically to modulate homologous DNA repair genes and can thus potentially sensitize BRCA1/2 proficient patients to talazoparib.
Under the terms of the agreement, Zenith Epigenetics and Pfizer will collaborate on a Phase 1b/2 TNBC clinical study. Pfizer will provide talazoparib, Zenith will provide ZEN-3694, and both parties will fund the study. Zenith Epigenetics retains all rights to ZEN-3694.
About ZEN-3694
ZEN-3694 is a novel and selective investigational anti-cancer BETi. It is currently being developed in a Phase 2 metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer clinical study in combination with enzalutamide. Clinical data to date illustrate that ZEN-3694 is well tolerated at doses that modulate the target.
About Zenith:
Zenith Capital Corp. is a biotechnology investment company originally spun out of Resverlogix Corp. (TSX: RVX) in 2013. Zenith Epigenetics Ltd. (“Zenith”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zenith Capital Corp., is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and other disorders with significant unmet medical need. Zenith is developing various novel combinations of BET inhibitors with other targeted agents.
For further information, please contact:
Investor Relations & Communications
Zenith Epigenetics
Phone: 587-390-7865
Email: info@zenithepigenetics.com
Website: www.zenithepigenetics.com
This news release may contain certain forward-looking information as defined under applicable Canadian securities legislation, that are not based on historical fact, including without limitation statements containing the words “believes”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “intends”, “will”, “should”, “expects”, “continue”, “estimate”, “forecasts” and other similar expressions. In particular, this news release includes forward looking information relating to the Company’s clinical program and its intention to collaborate with Pfizer on a Phase 1b/2 TNBC clinical study. Our actual results, events or developments could be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We can give no assurance that any of the events or expectations will occur or be realized. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions and risk factors which are described our most recent MD&A which are incorporated by reference and are available through SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and are made as of the date hereof. We disclaim any intention and have no obligation or responsibility, except as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
