Zymeworks Executive Changes: Mark Hollywood Promoted to COO
Mark Hollywood has been promoted to Executive Vice President and COO with expanded responsibilities beyond his current leadership of Technology and Manufacturing Operations, Quality, and Alliance/Program Management. Dr. Sabeen Mekan has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer effective February 1, with overall responsibility for clinical development, regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance/patient safety, and clinical operations. Dr. Jeff Smith, current CMO, will be retiring effective January 31, while continuing to provide services as an adviser for a transitional time period. Leone Patterson, Chief Financial and Business Officer and Daniel Dex, General Counsel, will both be departing from their roles at Zymeworks during the first quarter of 2026. The company has commenced a comprehensive search for a permanent CFO with the experience required to support the company's next phase of development. Galbraith has assumed the role of Acting CFO until a replacement is secured.
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- ZW191 Clinical Progress: Zymeworks' ZW191 shows a 64% overall response rate in phase 1 trials for advanced solid tumors, particularly among gynecological cancer patients receiving doses of 6.4 mg/kg or higher, indicating significant therapeutic potential that could drive long-term value for the company.
- Dose Optimization Initiated: The company has commenced dose optimization of ZW191 in ovarian cancer in the previous quarter, aiming to enhance efficacy and meet patient needs, thereby strengthening its competitive position in the market.
- Zanidatamab Milestones: Zymeworks is poised to receive substantial milestone payments related to its licensed program Zanidatamab, which is approved in the U.S. for HER2-positive biliary tract cancer, showcasing the company's robust potential in the biopharmaceutical sector.
- Strong Cash Reserves: As of December 31, 2025, Zymeworks held approximately $270.6 million in cash, providing ample funding for future R&D and market expansion, thereby enhancing its capacity for sustained growth in the industry.
- Board Enhancement: Brian Cherry appointed to the Board on January 12, 2026, brings over $25 billion in investment experience, aiming to enhance long-term shareholder value through optimized capital allocation and strategic acquisitions.
- Executive Promotions: Mark Hollywood promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, expanding responsibilities to drive growth and operational efficiency in the company's next phase.
- Leadership Transitions: Dr. Sabeen Mekan will transition to Chief Medical Officer effective February 1, 2026, overseeing clinical development and regulatory affairs to ensure compliance and safety in drug development.
- New Vice Presidents: Zymeworks appointed five new Vice Presidents, underscoring the company's commitment to leadership development and enhancing the capabilities and experience of its management team through internal talent cultivation.
- Board Enhancement: Brian Cherry appointed to the Board on January 12, 2026, brings over $25 billion in investment experience, aiming to leverage his expertise in capital allocation and strategic acquisitions to support effective execution of the company's new strategy and enhance long-term shareholder value.
- Executive Promotions: Mark Hollywood promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, overseeing technology, manufacturing operations, and quality management, expected to drive growth in the biotechnology sector through expanded responsibilities.
- Leadership Transition: Sabeen Mekan will transition to Chief Medical Officer effective February 1, 2026, responsible for clinical development and regulatory affairs, ensuring compliance and safety in drug development to enhance the company's market competitiveness.
- New Vice Presidents: Five new Vice Presidents appointed, underscoring the company's commitment to leadership development, which will enhance the team's expertise to better achieve strategic objectives and drive long-term growth.

- Phase 3 Trial Results: Zymeworks presented positive results for Ziihera (zanidatamab-hrii) in the HERIZON-GEA-01 trial for HER2-positive gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma at ASCO GI, indicating strong potential as a first-line treatment.
- Milestone Revenue: The company stated that up to $440 million in milestone payments related to regulatory approvals of Ziihera in the U.S., Europe, Japan, and China could significantly enhance its financial position and market competitiveness.
- Cash Flow Outlook: As of December 31, 2025, Zymeworks holds approximately $270.6 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, which, combined with anticipated regulatory milestone payments, is expected to provide cash runway beyond 2028.
- R&D Pipeline Progress: The company is conducting a global Phase 1 trial of ZW191 for solid tumors, with dose optimization underway, and further data from this study is expected to be presented at a major medical conference in 2026, bolstering its R&D capabilities.

- Clinical Trial Success: Ziihera demonstrated significant improvement in progression-free survival in the HERIZON-GEA-01 Phase 3 trial for HER2-positive gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma, exceeding a four-month increase over the control group, which is expected to drive future regulatory approvals and market sales.
- Potential Revenue Growth: Zymeworks anticipates up to $440 million in regulatory milestone payments, with $250 million from the U.S. market, significantly enhancing the company's financial flexibility and long-term growth potential.
- Share Repurchase Program: The company announced a $125 million share repurchase plan in November 2025, having repurchased approximately $19 million worth of shares, aimed at enhancing shareholder value by reducing the share count while maintaining cash resources for operations and growth investments.
- Strong Financial Foundation: As of December 31, 2025, Zymeworks reported approximately $270.6 million in cash and cash equivalents, combined with anticipated regulatory milestone payments, expected to support operations beyond 2028, ensuring long-term sustainable growth.

- Clinical Trial Success: Ziihera demonstrated significant improvement in progression-free survival in the HERIZON-GEA-01 Phase 3 trial for HER2-positive gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma, exceeding a four-month increase over the control group, which is expected to drive future regulatory approvals.
- Milestone Payment Potential: Zymeworks stands to earn up to $440 million in milestone payments from regulatory approvals of Ziihera, with $250 million potentially from the U.S. market, highlighting the company's strong growth potential in global markets.
- Share Repurchase Program: The company announced a $125 million share repurchase plan in November 2025, aimed at enhancing shareholder value by reducing share count while maintaining financial flexibility for future growth investments.
- Strong Financial Foundation: As of December 31, 2025, Zymeworks reported approximately $270.6 million in cash and cash equivalents, combined with anticipated milestone payments, expected to support operations beyond 2028, ensuring long-term financial stability.






