Boehringer Ingelheim partners with Zai Lab for dual-targeting lung cancer trial

GERMANY—Boehringer Ingelheim and Zai Lab have entered a clinical collaboration to evaluate a novel dual DLL3-targeting strategy for patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) and other neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs).

The partnership aims to explore whether combining two distinct therapeutic approaches can improve outcomes in these aggressive and difficult-to-treat cancers.

Study design and therapeutic approach

The Phase Ib/II trial will assess safety, tolerability, and early signs of clinical activity. Researchers will combine Boehringer Ingelheim’s investigational T-cell engager, obrixtamig, with Zai Lab’s antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), zocilurtatug pelitecan (zoci).

By integrating these two mechanisms, the study seeks to enhance the immune system’s ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells while delivering a targeted cytotoxic payload.

Obrixtamig is a bispecific DLL3/CD3 T-cell engager designed to redirect immune cells toward DLL3-expressing tumor cells.

In parallel, zoci targets the same DLL3 protein but uses an ADC platform to deliver chemotherapy directly into cancer cells, thereby limiting damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Early clinical progress of Obrixtamig

Obrixtamig has already shown encouraging results in earlier studies.

In the global Phase I DAREON 8 trial, the drug demonstrated early clinical efficacy when combined with chemotherapy and atezolizumab.

Moreover, the treatment showed a manageable safety profile, supporting its continued development.

Based on these findings, obrixtamig is now advancing into a global Phase III trial.

It has also received both fast track and orphan drug designations from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of neuroendocrine carcinomas, highlighting its potential clinical importance.

Zoci shows durable responses

Zoci has similarly demonstrated promising results in early-stage trials.

Recent global Phase I data revealed strong and durable responses in previously treated ES-SCLC patients, including those with brain metastases.

Additionally, the therapy showed a favorable safety profile, further supporting its development.

Zoci is currently progressing into a global Phase III registrational study for small cell lung cancer and NECs.

Like obrixtamig, it has received both orphan drug and fast track designations from the FDA.

Roles and strategic direction

Under the agreement, Zai Lab will supply Zoci for the study, while Boehringer Ingelheim will lead and manage clinical operations.

Each company will retain full rights to its respective product.

According to Itziar Canamasas, Global Head of Oncology at Boehringer Ingelheim, the combination strategy aligns with the company’s broader immuno-oncology vision.

He emphasized that pairing a targeted T-cell engager with a potent ADC represents a strategic effort to develop smarter combination therapies for cancers with limited treatment options.

Expanding research and collaboration

This collaboration builds on Boehringer Ingelheim’s broader commitment to advancing oncology research.

Notably, in February 2026, the company’s India division signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen pharmaceutical education and research partnerships, further reinforcing its global innovation strategy.