SAN DIEGO, April  21, 2026  (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zentalis® Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ZNTL), a clinical oncology innovator advancing late-stage development of investigational first-in-class WEE1 inhibitor

ZNTL

Zentalis Pharmaceuticals Announces Abstract Acceptance at ASCO 2026 Featuring Azenosertib in Combination with Paclitaxel for Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer

Zentalis Set for ASCO Presentation on Azenosertib for Ovarian Cancer

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 <section data-block="information">
 <h3>Information</h3>
 SAN DIEGO, April 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zentalis® Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ZNTL), a clinical oncology innovator advancing late-stage development of investigational first-in-class WEE1 inhibitor
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 <section data-block="ai-summary-paragraph">
 <h3>AI Summary</h3>
 Zentalis Pharmaceuticals is poised for a significant event at the June 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting, where it will present promising data from the MUIR trial on azenosertib, highlighting its potential in treating platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. This trial’s findings could enhance investor confidence and interest in ZNTL, particularly given the drug&#039;s Fast Track status from the FDA.
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 <section data-block="ai-summary-bullets">
 <h3>Key Points</h3>
 <ul><li>Zentalis announces ASCO acceptance of azenosertib trial data.</li><li>MUIR trial showcases azenosertib&#039;s effectiveness for ovarian cancer.</li><li>Azenosertib targets Cyclin E1-positive platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.</li><li>Fast Track Designation granted by FDA for azenosertib.</li><li>Presentation scheduled for June 1, 2026, in Chicago.</li></ul>
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 <section data-block="companies-mentioned">
 <h3>Companies Mentioned</h3>
 <ul><li>FDA (N/A): Fast Track Designation boosts azenosertib&#039;s development pathway.</li><li>American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (N/A): Critical platform for ZNTL&#039;s upcoming trial data presentation.</li></ul>
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 <section data-block="category">
 <h3>Corporate Developments</h3>
 The news fits within &#039;Corporate Developments&#039; as it highlights significant advancements in Zentalis&#039;s clinical strategy for azenosertib, particularly in oncology. The upcoming ASCO presentation is critical to shaping investor sentiment and perceptions about the company&#039;s potential market position.
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 <section data-block="market-moving">
 <h3>Market-Moving</h3>
 <ul><li>ASCO presentation could validate azenosertib&#039;s efficacy, driving stock up.</li><li>Fast Track Designation enhances credibility and potential market traction for azenosertib.</li><li>Positive trial results may lead to increased analyst coverage and upgrades.</li><li>Investors should expect volatility around ASCO dates as data is anticipated.</li></ul>
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 <section data-block="key-facts">
 <h3>Key Facts</h3>
 <ul><li>Azenosertib is a first-in-class WEE1 inhibitor in late-stage development.</li><li>MUIR trial evaluates efficacy across several treatment combinations.</li><li>Approximately 50% of PROC patients are Cyclin E1-positive.</li><li>FDA Fast Track Designation granted for azenosertib in November 2023.</li><li>Presentation scheduled for June 1, 2026, during a major oncology meeting.</li></ul>
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 <section data-block="trading-thesis">
 <h3>Trading Thesis</h3>
 Consider buying ZNTL in anticipation of positive data and market enthusiasm around ASCO.
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<link type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://www.globenewswire.com/styles/gnw_nitf.css"></link>SAN DIEGO, April 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zentalis&#xAE; Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ZNTL">ZNTL</a>), a clinical oncology innovator advancing late-stage development of investigational first-in-class WEE1 inhibitor azenosertib as a biomarker-driven treatment approach for ovarian cancer, today announced that the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has accepted an abstract for presentation at the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting, which will be held June 1-5, 2026, in Chicago, IL. &#34;We are pleased that data from Part 1 of the MUIR trial focusing on azenosertib in combination with paclitaxel in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC) have been accepted for presentation at ASCO,&#34; said Julie Eastland, Chief Executive Officer of Zentalis. &#34;Paclitaxel is a commonly used agent across multiple tumor types, including in ovarian cancer. The azenosertib-paclitaxel data from MUIR Part 1 will showcase combinability and activity in an all-comer setting, which we believe indicates the broad potential for azenosertib in multiple lines of ovarian cancer and other tumor types. With our core strategic focus on advancing azenosertib in registration-intended trials as a monotherapy in the biomarker-selected Cyclin E1-positive PROC population through our DENALI and ASPENOVA trials, the MUIR trial represents an important part of our broader pipeline strategy." Accepted Abstract Title: Azenosertib Plus Paclitaxel for Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer: Results From a Phase 1b Study Abstract Number: 5529 Session Type / Title: Poster Session – Gynecologic Cancer Poster Board: 195 Date/Time: June 1, 2026; 9am-12pm CDT About MUIR Clinical Trial MUIR (ZN-c3-002) is a multi-part, open-label Phase 1b clinical trial (NCT04516447) evaluating the safety, efficacy, and preliminary clinical activity of azenosertib in combination in patients with ovarian cancer. Part 1 enrolled patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC) treated with azenosertib in combination with one of four chemotherapy regimens: carboplatin, gemcitabine, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, or paclitaxel. Primary objectives are safety and tolerability, with key secondary objectives including clinical activity assessed by objective response rate, duration of response, and progression-free survival per RECIST v1.1. Part 2 is evaluating azenosertib plus bevacizumab as maintenance regimen (first [1L] or second line [2L]) in patients with advanced ovarian, peritoneal, or fallopian tube cancer following platinum-based chemotherapy. The dose expansion portion will evaluate azenosertib at the recommended dose in combination with bevacizumab in patients with platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer in 2L who progressed while on a PARP inhibitor for 1L maintenance. The primary objective is safety and tolerability; secondary objectives include preliminary clinical activity of the combination as assessed by progression-free survival for the dose expansion portion. About Azenosertib Azenosertib is an investigational, potentially first-in-class, selective, and orally bioavailable inhibitor of WEE1 currently being evaluated in clinical studies in ovarian cancer and additional tumor types. WEE1 acts as a master regulator of the G1-S and G2-M cell cycle checkpoints, through negative regulation of both CDK1 and CDK2, to prevent replication of cells with damaged DNA. By inhibiting WEE1, azenosertib enables cell cycle progression, despite high levels of DNA damage, thereby resulting in the accumulation of DNA damage and leading to mitotic catastrophe and cancer cell death. Azenosertib is in late-stage development as a potential treatment for Cyclin E1-positive platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC). There is currently no approved treatment option specifically for this biomarker-selected population which comprises approximately 50% of PROC patients. Cyclin E1 protein overexpression has been established as a sensitive and specific predictive biomarker for identifying patients who could potentially derive benefit from azenosertib treatment, based on retrospective analysis of azenosertib studies in PROC. Validation of the Cyclin E1 companion diagnostic assay is ongoing in the DENALI and ASPENOVA trials. Azenosertib has been <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=a5KQXbxha84t_Rk_YTGESVNm8ZlBKKhrSGRnuUVuGOau6eVNCSRiVS0wDscPokpU9go77G_RSrGcPP67kYXtUiDliuSrO_--Dv07Olwo-6nu_gnvq17rECwI1xQdZ6lzpUJiUfP6HCWNNfNM9qFZglP4oXBcLWExGXFbcQHWTrxxqkAJTq9EmfQDBArKMKw8nYz29e2UZzIEkh0TC_MwAbbxSAtMbugtFFGr_0NOvi7In5CI7HQGacuEDv2BDHwA8I6CAyYKncj7xG0ZgB_HfV7tqUfcQMLDVgECNG2FjdxUWDlvKM4cd86WV1R32mLtR19jHZeiU6_xNqLqPZwb7_hALUoPN8BJ6_8Rc3ZC7xsygv-Cvov8_DlvW_hgJ4pAYkJ3QsO7qyOrTH4lDflzUg==" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">granted</a> Fast Track Designation by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of patients with Cyclin E1-positive platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Fast Track Designation is intended to facilitate the development and expedite the review of therapies that have the potential to treat serious conditions and address unmet medical needs. About Zentalis Pharmaceuticals Zentalis is a clinical oncology innovator developing a treatment approach for ovarian cancer and multiple tumor types. Leveraging therapeutics development and biomarker expertise, Zentalis is advancing monotherapy and combination studies of its first-in-class WEE1 inhibitor, azenosertib. Focused on translating WEE1 science into clinical practice, we aim to equip physicians with a targeted, non-chemo, orally available medicine that enhances treatment experience, choice, and outcomes. Our mission: to unburden cancer patients with more convenience and care. For more information, please visit <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=wbAsOm4Qn9JMO5PmOpFVANxm2atezpE0kOD54TTncpK-vFRPLUrZuuXDrQjQWAJeTpXPCmciC4FSl8pLK-NDcZD2whCHeyPnOehXZhPAuPo=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.zentalis.com</a>. Follow Zentalis on LinkedIn at <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=cUkjqkv5JdLYFizXH5Ya5aepxFqeHqYvRpYMMoEWVQLkFYJnG6dmsVUlfnFvTFTSF9S-W1kVEptEvYpxXcIjNIYYMsssLR4a02k0AoBaBrS4CD6bQ2FDjEb5qQjbql_tWpuxD3EPoDYPkxLthFfckVHFd-64Hr6Xz9zpbPmz7gPrzYxw-vF5faN0nGDLJwllyy3Uovs7jnxMjUz_dzgaFnil2y7hmsKYDXJ_iCort5W17tw8iIguAx5JI_-Ob6AxnpWQ6W2TSTzRb1qcQ_vGs-6EOrIqb_purYwZwt7J5YOnlab83oMquG-NQ7UXHHGeXywF33u_QI_VYFZ-Lsb-MAe63TOfAKWUoK7PLNXEMElIdB3q6ZJ5ios3vsS3ryUOdDvB70z_lxDWttLYQP9xAx3GaPgJ3_cHBcqv_jjZIes=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.linkedin.com/company/zentalis-pharmaceuticals</a> Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the continued development of azenosertib; the clinical and therapeutic potential of azenosertib; the potential for azenosertib to be first-in-class; the potential benefits of azenosertib, including the potential for azenosertib to be an important treatment option for patients with ovarian cancer and other tumor types; the combinability of azenosertib with other agents and the potential benefits thereof; the importance of the MUIR trial to the Company's broader pipeline strategy; the broad franchise potential of azenosertib; the Company's biomarker-driven strategy for azenosertib; and the Company's participation at ASCO. The terms "anticipate," "advance," "believe," "design," "develop," "expect," "focus," "intent," "look forward," "objective," "on track," "plan," "position," "potential," "runway," "strategy," "target," "upcoming," and "will" and similar references are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following: our limited operating history, which may make it difficult to evaluate our current business and predict our future success and viability; we have and expect to continue to incur significant losses; our need for additional funding, which may not be available; our substantial dependence on the success of azenosertib; our plans, including the costs thereof, of development of companion diagnostics; the outcome of preclinical testing and early trials may not be predictive of the success of later clinical trials; potential unforeseen events during clinical trials could cause delays or other adverse consequences; risks relating to the regulatory approval process or ongoing regulatory obligations; our product candidates may cause serious adverse side effects; the interim, initial, "topline," and preliminary data from our clinical trials may change as more patient data becomes available, and are subject to audit and verification procedures that could result in material changes in the final data; our reliance on third parties; effects of significant competition; the possibility of system failures or security breaches; risks relating to intellectual property; our ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel, and risks relating to management transitions; significant costs as a result of operating as a public company; and the other important factors discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in our most recently filed periodic report on Form 10-K or 10-Q and subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and our other filings with the SEC. Any such forward-looking statements represent management's estimates as of the date of this press release. While we may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we disclaim any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change. ZENTALIS&#xAE; and its associated logo are trademarks of Zentalis and/or its affiliates. All website addresses and other links in this press release are for information only and are not intended to be an active link or to incorporate any website or other information into this press release.  Contact:  Aron Feingold VP, Investor Relations &amp; Corporate Communications <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=SRtysnF90im6d7qw1ajbv9cFLrL1XAbTVMf6Q6CuWe1m-EdxyBVonRySVF1mFgkNk4CFdRf-lUWJTtaTSrTxG0aNCtpob5IvgJZemglhUrGGm-9yoeQLQtFD7u1b1vGVZa6bvrr4NOg1nNnrZygh9eIY4avk01F6abJVrIfupmk7oGEcas3_Ih1K8YI9Yj0R7sNyE6qvlJ9bQxm2_YbUPGJmY5iL06X27n4wAjoH4lzVYUiSYGA2V7dsqqGRpGx9LFVWLrPOOVoMdOWsitz6H3xq07eUhCK6LYLNCpav5SCtYH8Kb4AijqtEOxTMRZZNw-h7AzO2qzjVYRGgI2cwI7LDnlfGfhRrc3uZ2yW_FfhkuVQwLAVgPtLZR6CmwMeQZwNNtqulFTreZe9PCrxfXNx4LhwB4PYr0m5pHrr8xiVEdGvZDWzJ16zNHzLIO0TXh9Ad1hyAiBv_cDJ3k4TDcSVhcAAnMKdVghdRlBNDa3c=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ir@zentalis.com</a> <img alt="" class="__GNW8366DE3E__IMG" src="https://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/ti?nf=OTY5NDAxOSM3NTQ3NDk1IzIxOTQ3NDM="></img> <img alt="" src="https://ml.globenewswire.com/media/M2Y3YzJhZmUtOTQ5MC00NGQwLWE4NzctMWQ2Njg5ODdkMjI1LTEyMDYyOTYtMjAyNi0wNC0yMS1lbg==/tiny/ZENTALIS-PHARMACEUTICALS.png" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></img><a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1b481d6d-51c9-44f0-b33f-81feb1061d2e"><img src="https://ml.globenewswire.com/media/1b481d6d-51c9-44f0-b33f-81feb1061d2e/small/zentalis-logo-png.png" border="0" width="150" height="44" alt="Primary Logo"></img></a>

Zentalis Pharmaceuticals is poised for a significant event at the June 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting, where it will present promising data from the MUIR trial on azenosertib, highlighting its potential in treating platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. This trial’s findings could enhance investor confidence and interest in ZNTL, particularly given the drug's Fast Track status from the FDA.

zentalis-pharmaceuticals-announces-abstract-acceptance-at-asco-2026-featuring-azenosertib-in-combination-with-paclitaxel-for-platinum-resistant-ovarian-cancer

Zentalis Pharmaceuticals Announces Abstract Acceptance at ASCO 2026 Featuring Azenosertib in Combination with Paclitaxel for Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer

AI Summary

Sentiment Rationale

Trading Thesis

Market-Moving

Key Facts

Companies Mentioned

Corporate Developments

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