Zai Lab Enters into Collaboration with Amgen to Evaluate DLL3 ADC Zocilurtatug Pelitecan with BiTE Therapy in Small Cell Lung Cancer
Thursday, April 02, 2026
Zai Lab has announced a global clinical trial collaboration and supply agreement with Amgen to evaluate its investigational DLL3-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), zocilurtatug pelitecan, in combination with Amgen’s bispecific T-cell engager therapy, IMDELLTRA (tarlatamab-dlle).
Zocilurtatug pelitecan is part of Zai Lab’s oncology pipeline and targets DLL3, a protein commonly overexpressed in neuroendocrine tumours such as small cell lung cancer. Early clinical data from Phase 1/2 studies have shown promising response rates in heavily pretreated patients, along with manageable safety and activity in brain metastases.
Small cell lung cancer remains an aggressive disease with limited treatment options, particularly in advanced stages. Most patients are diagnosed with extensive-stage disease, which is associated with poor survival outcomes and a high risk of relapse. The combination of zocilurtatug pelitecan and IMDELLTRA is expected to build on existing treatment advances by improving efficacy while maintaining a manageable safety profile.
The combination will be studied in patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC).
Under the agreement, Amgen will sponsor a global Phase 1b study to assess the safety and efficacy of the combination therapy. Zai Lab will retain full ownership of zocilurtatug pelitecan and will provide the study drug for the trial.
The combination approach aims to target DLL3-expressing tumour cells through two complementary mechanisms. The ADC delivers a cytotoxic payload directly to cancer cells, while the T-cell engager activates immune cells to attack the tumour. This strategy is expected to enhance treatment response and address resistance, including disease spread to the brain.
The drug is being further evaluated in a global development programme, including a pivotal trial comparing it with standard therapies in relapsed ES-SCLC, as well as studies in other solid tumours and in combination with immunotherapies.
Source: zailaboratory.com
