First Clinical Study to Combine ZEN-3694 with BMS’s Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors nivolumab and ipilimumab for Treatment of Ovarian Cancer

CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 05, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zenith Epigenetics Ltd. (“Zenith” or the “Company”) announced today the execution of a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to develop ZEN-3694 for multiple oncology indications. For the first clinical study under the CRADA, NCI is co-collaborating with Zenith and Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) to investigate the combination of Zenith’s epigenetic therapy – BET inhibitor ZEN-3694 – with immuno-oncology therapies – checkpoint inhibitors nivolumab and ipilimumab – in resistant ovarian cancer.

“This significant research and development agreement allows us to leverage the combined resources of the NCI, Zenith, and other pharmaceutical companies to develop ZEN-3694 in multiple oncology indications with significant unmet need,” said Donald McCaffrey, President and CEO of Zenith. “NCI’s interest validates our belief that ZEN-3694 is a leading and differentiated BET inhibitor.

“Our therapy has proven to be safe and effective in prostate and breast cancer treatment and is combinable with multiple targeted agents. This collaboration will significantly supplement our efforts in expanding the portfolio of indications for ZEN-3694 both as a single agent and as a component of novel combination regimens with other therapies. We expect to announce other novel clinical trials including molecular pre-selection concepts in collaboration with the NCI in the upcoming months based on the high level of interest from leading key opinion leaders and clinical resear