Zenas BioPharma (ZBIO) Jefferies London Healthcare Conference 2024 summary

Company overview and strategy

• Focused on immunology, targeting autoimmune diseases with a global clinical trial footprint.

• Team operates in the US, Asia, and Europe, leveraging deep experience in global drug development.

• Recently completed IPO provides capital runway through Q4 2026, supporting key milestones.

• Portfolio expansion driven by business development, aiming to add new molecules.

Clinical pipeline and trial updates

• Obexelimab is the lead molecule, with a global phase III trial in IgG4-RD completing enrollment of over 190 patients in under two years.

• Top-line results for the IgG4-RD phase III trial expected by year-end 2025.

• Two global phase II trials ongoing: RMS (readout Q3 2025) and SLE (enrollment completes 2025, data in 2026).

• Proof-of-mechanism study in wAIHA to report key data by year-end.

Mechanism of action and differentiation

• Obexelimab targets CD19, inhibiting B cell lineage without depleting B cells, allowing for rapid recovery if paused.

• Continuous subcutaneous dosing maintains receptor occupancy in both blood and tissue.

• Co-engagement of CD19 and FcgammaRIIB reduces antibody and cytokine production, and impacts T cell antigen presentation.

• Differentiated from depleting therapies by safety profile and mechanism.