Zymeworks Appoints Dr. Adam Schayowitz as Acting Chief Development Officer

Rhea-AI Summary

Zymeworks (NASDAQ: ZYME) announced on October 9, 2025 that Adam Schayowitz, Ph.D., MBA, has been appointed Acting Chief Development Officer. He will report to CEO Kenneth Galbraith and work with R&D and Business Development to advance nominated product candidates and integrate partnerships into the wholly‑owned portfolio.

Dr. Schayowitz brings nearly 20 years of oncology drug‑development experience, including leadership roles at Pfizer, Tesaro (Zejula development), and Algeta, and will continue part‑time as an Operating Partner at EcoR1 Capital while serving on boards at Terremoto Biosciences and Aktis Oncology.

The company noted recent milestones including IND clearance for ZW251 and expanded global approvals of zanidatamab.

Positive

• Appointed experienced oncology leader with nearly 20 years experience
• Track record: led programs from initiation through approval and commercialization
• Direct reporting line to CEO may streamline development decisions
• Appointment aligns with strategy to integrate partnerships into portfolio
• Company highlighted IND clearance for ZW251 as recent milestone
• Company highlighted expanded global approvals of zanidatamab

Negative

• Role is explicitly part‑time, which may limit full‑time oversight
• Appointee will continue at EcoR1 Capital, creating potential divided focus

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zymeworks Inc. (Nasdaq: ZYME), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a diverse pipeline of novel, multifunctional biotherapeutics to improve the standard of care for difficult-to-treat diseases, including cancer, inflammation, and autoimmune disease, today announced the appointment of Adam Schayowitz, Ph.D., MBA as Acting Chief Development Officer.

In this role, Dr. Schayowitz will report directly to Zymeworks’ Chair & Chief Executive Officer, Kenneth Galbraith, and work closely with the Zymeworks R&D and Business Development teams to advance the Company’s broad portfolio of nominated product candidates, while also supporting Zymeworks’ strategy to integrate partnerships and collaborations into the current wholly-owned portfolio. As this is a part-time role, Dr. Schayowitz will also continue to serve as an Operating Partner at EcoR1 Capital, LLC, a biotech-focused investment advisory firm which invests in companies at all stages of research and development.

“Adam joins Zymeworks at a pivotal moment, as we continue to advance a range of therapeutic candidates in areas of high unmet need, and prepare additional candidates for the clinic,” said Kenneth Galbraith. “With recent milestones including the investigational new drug clearance for ZW251 and expanded global approvals of zanidatamab, we are focused on execution across our development pipeline and expanding our strategic partnerships. Adam’s deep expertise in oncology, R&D, and strategic business development make him uniquely suited to help accelerate these efforts and unlock additional value from our R&D portfolio.”

Dr. Schayowitz brings nearly 20 years of experience in oncology drug development to Zymeworks. Dr. Schayowitz has led dozens of global development programs from initiation through approval and commercialization. Prior to joining EcoR1 as an Operating Partner, he was a Vice President at Pfizer Oncology holding various development leadership roles across breast cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer and melanoma, ultimately culminating in serving as Head of Product Development Teams. Prior to Pfizer, Dr. Schayowitz led the development of Zejula (niraparib) at Tesaro and was a member of the Medical Affairs leadership team at Algeta supporting the commercialization of Xofigo (Radium-223). He is currently a Board Member at Terremoto Biosciences and serves as a Board Observer for Aktis Oncology.

“The breadth and differentiation of Zymeworks’ clinical and preclinical portfolio, combined with its proven track record of advancing product candidates into the clinic, reflects the strength of the Company’s scientific team and R&D strategy,” said Adam Schayowitz, Ph.D., MBA. “I am eager to collaborate with the R&D and Business Development teams to continue appropriate levels of R&D investment in the portfolio, while strengthening the partnerships and collaborations that are central to Zymeworks’ approach. Together, I believe we can accelerate the development of innovative therapies and make a meaningful impact for patients worldwide.”

Dr. Schayowitz has a BA from Hamilton College, a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from The University of Maryland, and an MBA from Johns Hopkins.

About Zymeworks Inc.
Zymeworks is a global clinical-stage biotechnology company committed to the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel, multifunctional biotherapeutics. Zymeworks’ mission is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people impacted by difficult-to-treat conditions such as cancer, inflammation, and autoimmune disease. The Company’s complementary therapeutic platforms and fully integrated drug development engine provide the flexibility and compatibility to precisely engineer and develop highly differentiated antibody-based therapeutic candidates. Zymeworks engineered and developed zanidatamab, a HER2-targeted bispecific antibody using the Company’s proprietary Azymetric™ technology. Zymeworks has entered into separate agreements with BeOne Medicines Ltd. (formerly BeiGene, Ltd.) and Jazz Pharmaceuticals Ireland Limited, granting each exclusive rights to develop and commercialize zanidatamab in different territories. Zanidatamab has received accelerated approval from the U.S. FDA, conditional approval from the NMPA in China, and conditional marketing authorization from the European Commission for the treatment of adults with previously treated, unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive (IHC 3+) biliary tract cancer. It is the first and only dual HER2-targeted bispecific antibody approved for this indication in the U.S., Europe, and China. Zanidatamab is also being evaluated in multiple global clinical trials as a potential best-in-class treatment for patients with multiple HER2-expressing cancers. Zymeworks is rapidly advancing a robust pipeline of wholly-owned product candidates, leveraging its expertise in both antibody drug conjugates and multispecific antibody therapeutics targeting novel pathways in areas of significant unmet medical need. A Phase 1 study for ZW191 is actively recruiting and ZW251 is expected to enter clinical trials in 2025. In addition to Zymeworks’ pipeline, its therapeutic platforms have been further leveraged through strategic partnerships with global biopharmaceutical companies. For information about Zymeworks, visit www.zymeworks.com and follow @ZymeworksInc on X.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes “forward-looking statements” or information within the meaning of the applicable securities legislation, including Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements that relate to the expected contributions of personnel to Zymeworks’ strategic goals; the impact of personnel on the clinical development strategy for Zymeworks’ product candidates; Zymeworks’ expectations regarding implementation of its strategic priorities; potential collaborations and strategic partnerships; ongoing and future studies and the release of data; potential therapeutic effects, safety profile and commercial potential of zanidatamab and Zymeworks’ other product candidates; and other information that is not historical information. When used herein, words such as “plan”, “believe”, “expect”, “may”, “continue”, “anticipate”, “potential”, “will”, “on track”, “progress”, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements or information that refer to expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, performance or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking. All forward-looking statements are based upon Zymeworks’ current expectations and various assumptions. Zymeworks believes there is a reasonable basis for its expectations and beliefs, but they are inherently uncertain. Zymeworks may not realize its expectations, and its beliefs may not prove correct. Actual results could differ materially from those described or implied by such forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, without limitation: any of Zymeworks’ or its partners’ product candidates may fail in development, may not receive required regulatory approvals, or may be delayed to a point where they are not commercially viable; Zymeworks may not achieve milestones or receive additional payments under its collaborations; regulatory agencies may impose additional requirements or delay the initiation of clinical trials; the impact of new or changing laws and regulations; market conditions; the impact of pandemics and other health crises on Zymeworks’ business, research and clinical development plans and timelines and results of operations, including impact on its clinical trial sites, collaborators, and contractors who act for or on Zymeworks’ behalf; zanidatamab may not be successfully commercialized; Zymeworks’ evolution of its business strategy related to anticipated and potential future milestones and royalty streams and existing and potential new partnerships may not be successfully implemented; clinical trials may not demonstrate safety and efficacy of any of Zymeworks’ or its collaborators’ product candidates; Zymeworks’ assumptions and estimates regarding its financial condition, future financial performance and estimated cash runway may be incorrect; inability to maintain or enter into new partnerships or strategic collaborations; and the factors described under “Risk Factors” in Zymeworks’ quarterly and annual reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (copies of which may be obtained at www.sec.gov and www.sedarplus.ca).

Although Zymeworks believes that such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance they will prove to be correct. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The above assumptions, risks and uncertainties are not exhaustive. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as may be required by law, Zymeworks undertakes no obligation to update, republish, or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances, or to reflect the occurrences of unanticipated events.

Investor inquiries:
Shrinal Inamdar
Senior Director, Investor Relations
(604) 678-1388
ir@zymeworks.com

Media inquiries:
Diana Papove
Senior Director, Corporate Communications
(604) 678-1388
media@zymeworks.com

FAQ

Who is Adam Schayowitz and what role did Zymeworks appoint him to on October 9, 2025?

Adam Schayowitz, Ph.D., MBA, was appointed Acting Chief Development Officer at Zymeworks on October 9, 2025.

What will Dr. Schayowitz be responsible for as Acting Chief Development Officer at ZYME?

He will work with R&D and Business Development to advance nominated candidates and integrate partnerships into the wholly‑owned portfolio.

Will Dr. Schayowitz continue other roles while serving as Zymeworks acting CDO?

Yes. He will continue part‑time as an Operating Partner at EcoR1 Capital and hold board roles at other companies.

What relevant experience does the new ZYME acting CDO bring from industry?

He has nearly 20 years in oncology drug development, including leadership at Pfizer and development of Zejula at Tesaro.

How does this appointment relate to Zymeworks’ recent clinical milestones for ZYME?

The appointment comes as the company noted IND clearance for ZW251 and expanded global approvals of zanidatamab.

Who will Dr. Schayowitz report to at Zymeworks (ZYME)?

Dr. Schayowitz will report directly to Zymeworks’ Chair & Chief Executive Officer, Kenneth Galbraith.