Zai Lab Limited and Amgen Inc. announced a global clinical‑trial collaboration and supply agreement on April 1 2026 to evaluate Zai Lab’s investigational DLL3‑targeting antibody‑drug conjugate zoci (formerly ZL‑1310) in combination with Amgen’s approved bispecific T‑cell engager IMDELLTRA® (tarlatamab‑ddle) in patients with extensive‑stage small cell lung cancer (ES‑SCLC). The partnership will see Amgen sponsor and lead a global Phase 1b study, while Zai Lab will retain ownership of zoci and supply the drug for the trial.
The collaboration builds on the complementary mechanisms of the two agents. Zoci delivers a potent cytotoxic payload directly to DLL3‑expressing tumor cells, whereas IMDELLTRA® activates T‑cells by binding the same antigen, creating a dual‑targeting strategy that could enhance systemic and intracranial responses. Dr. Rafael G. Amado, President and Head of Global R&D at Zai Lab, said the combination “has the potential to increase the rate and deepen responses both systemically and in the brain, addressing resistance pathways and unlocking new treatment paradigms for patients with small cell lung cancer.”
The partnership is a key milestone in Zai Lab’s strategy to expand its global pipeline and generate revenue outside China. Zoci has already earned FDA Orphan Drug and Fast Track designations for SCLC and has shown a high response rate in heavily pre‑treated patients, including strong intracranial activity. IMDELLTRA® received FDA accelerated approval in May 2024 and full approval in November 2025 for ES‑SCLC after platinum‑based chemotherapy, and generated $627 million in sales in 2025.
Small cell lung cancer accounts for roughly 15 % of all lung cancers worldwide, with two‑thirds diagnosed at the extensive stage and a median overall survival of about 12 months. The disease remains an area of high unmet need, and the dual‑targeting approach offers a potential therapeutic advantage over existing chemotherapy and immunotherapy options.
Market reaction to the announcement was positive. On the day of the announcement, Zai Lab’s shares rose 5.38 % and Amgen’s shares increased 0.82 %. Analysts noted that the collaboration could accelerate the development of both agents and broaden Amgen’s portfolio in a high‑growth oncology segment.
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