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.