Immunome Exclusively Licenses Zentalis ROR1 Antibody-Drug Conjugate and Proprietary Technology Platform

Immunome, Inc. (Nasdaq: IMNM) and Zentalis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZNTL), today announced that they have entered into an exclusive, worldwide license agreement under which Immunome has licensed from Zentalis ZPC-21, a preclinical ROR1 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) with best-in-class potential on track for IND submission in 1Q 2025, and Zentalis’ proprietary ADC platform technology.

“This agreement strengthens Immunome’s pipeline while expanding our ADC toolbox,” said Clay B. Siegall, Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Immunome. “ZPC-21’s preclinical activity across multiple models suggest best-in-class potential against ROR1, a clinically validated target that is relevant to both solid tumors and hematological malignancies. We intend to efficiently advance ZPC-21 through IND and into clinical development.”

Dr. Siegall continued: “The next generation of transformative ADCs will be built through combining rigorously selected targets with innovative linker-payload platforms. We believe that the linker-payload technology that underlies ZPC-21 may compare favorably to the platforms of successful ADC franchises—a testament to Zentalis’ deep understanding of medicinal chemistry and cancer biology. Immunome will now evaluate and advance Zentalis’ platform technology in the context of our multiple discovery-stage ADC programs against undisclosed targets.”

Under the terms of the deal, Zentalis will receive an up-front payment of $35 million in cash and Immunome common stock. Zentalis will be eligible to receive up to $275 million of milestone payments for ZPC-21 and the platform technology in addition to mid-to-high single-digit royalties.

“Immunome’s leadership team’s track record of advancing paradigm-changing ADCs, along with Zentalis’ commitment to apply cutting-edge medicinal chemistry to anti-cancer agents, makes Immunome the ideal partner to advance our ADC platform,” said Cam Gallagher, President of Zentalis. “This transaction realizes immediate value for our shareholders while enabling the Zentalis team to focus on advancing azenosertib, our oral WEE1 inhibitor with first-in-class and best-in-class potential, through multiple ongoing clinical studies in tumor types with high unmet need.”