On June 16, 2026 Zai Lab Limited (NASDAQ: ZLAB; HKEX: 9688) reported the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has granted Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) to zocilurtatug pelitecan (zoci, formerly ZL-1310), the Company’s potential first-in-class Delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3)-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), for the treatment of pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs).

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The designation follows a positive opinion from the EMA’s Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products (COMP), recognizing both the seriousness of neuroendocrine carcinomas and the need for new treatment options. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the most significant pulmonary NEC, accounting for around 15% of the approximately 2.5 million patients diagnosed with lung cancer worldwide each year (an estimated 375,000 new cases annually), and is one of the most aggressive and lethal solid tumors. 1,2

In granting the designation, the COMP noted that preliminary clinical data in patients with relapsed or refractory extensive-stage SCLC suggest zoci may offer a more favorable effect than currently authorized therapies, including durable responses, a finding the Committee characterized as a clinically relevant advantage.

The U.S. FDA previously granted Fast Track designation (FTD) and ODD to zoci for SCLC. The FDA also recently granted FTD to zoci for extrapulmonary NECs (epNECs).

"This important designation from the EMA supports zoci’s potential to become a first-in-class therapy for pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinomas," said Rafael G. Amado, M.D., President, Head of Global Research and Development at Zai Lab. "This milestone is another demonstration of Zai Lab’s commitment to address critical unmet needs for patients with limited treatment options."

The EMA’s ODD provides important regulatory and development incentives, including potential market exclusivity following approval, reduced development fees, and enhanced development efficiency, which may help streamline clinical development.

About Zocilurtatug Pelitecan (Zoci, ZL-1310)

Zoci targets Delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3), a validated therapeutic target that is overexpressed in many neuroendocrine carcinomas, such as small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and extrapulmonary neuroendocrine carcinomas (epNECs), and is generally associated with poor clinical outcomes. Zoci is on track to potentially become Zai Lab’s first global oncology launch, with plans for three registration-enabling studies across second- and third-line SCLC, first-line SCLC, and epNECs by the end of 2026. Its potential best-in-class safety profile, coupled with compelling systemic and intracranial efficacy, supports its potential role as a new standard of care in previously treated extensive stage SCLC, as well as a backbone DLL3-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) in first line combination regimens, including those that reduce the burdens of chemotherapy, such as check point inhibitors and T-cell engagers.

(Press release, Zai Laboratory, JUN 16, 2026, View Source [SID1234668766])