-- The Company advanced multiple global oncology and immunology programs
toward key clinical and regulatory milestones, with significant pipeline
catalysts expected in the second half of 2026
-- Global Phase 1 data for zocilurtatug pelitecan (zoci) in combination
with a PD-L1 inhibitor in first-line SCLC to be presented at ESMO 2026;
planned initiation of a registrational Phase 3 study later this year
-- Registrational Phase 3 DLLEVATE study evaluating zoci in second-line
plus SCLC remains on track, with enrollment expected to be completed in
the first half of 2027, supporting a potential U.S. accelerated approval
submission in 2027
-- Global Phase 1/1b study of ZL-1503, a potential first-in-class
long-acting IL-13/IL-31R<ALPHA> bispecific antibody for the treatment of
atopic dermatitis, continues to advance, with initial first-in-human data
expected in the second half of 2026
-- KarXT successfully launched in mainland China; encouraging early launch
trends building momentum ahead of potential NRDL inclusion
-- Total revenues of $106.3 million in the second quarter of 2026; net
product revenue grew 11% versus prior quarter driven by stabilization of
ZEJULA and double-digit volume growth for VYVGART; commercial business
positioned for a return to meaningful growth in 2027
Conference call and webcast today, August 6, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. ET (8:00 p.m. HKT)
SHANGHAI & CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--August 06, 2026--
Zai Lab Limited (NASDAQ: ZLAB; HKEX: 9688) today announced financial results for the second quarter of 2026, along with recent product highlights and corporate updates.
"Zai Lab is entering an exciting new chapter in our evolution," said Dr. Samantha Du, Founder, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Zai Lab. "Over the past several years, we have evolved from bringing innovative medicines to patients in China to becoming a global biopharmaceutical company developing our own differentiated medicines for patients around the world. Today, our innovation pipeline is rapidly maturing. We advanced zocilurtatug pelitecan (zoci), our potential best-in-class DLL3 antibody-drug conjugate $(ADC)$, from Investigational New Drug $(IND)$ to global Phase 3 in under two years, and our growing portfolio of internally developed medicines, including ZL-1503, gives us confidence that innovation will increasingly drive Zai Lab's next phase of growth. Meanwhile, we continue to strengthen our commercial business. This quarter, we sharpened our commercial focus, delivered sequential revenue growth, maintained commercial profitability, and laid the foundation for a return to meaningful growth in 2027. Together, these achievements position Zai Lab to create long-term value for patients and shareholders."
"We are excited about the progress across our growing global pipeline, with three registrational studies expected to be underway by year end and the potential for our first U.S. regulatory submission next year," said Rafael G. Amado, M.D., President, Head of Global Research and Development at Zai Lab. "Zoci has demonstrated a differentiated profile -- strong systemic and intracranial activity with a favorable safety profile -- that supports development across multiple treatment settings in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and extrapulmonary neuroendocrine carcinomas (epNECs). In immunology, ZL-1503 has the potential to address both inflammation and itch through dual inhibition of IL-13 and IL-31. Combined with its extended half-life enabled by YTE modifications, we believe its differentiated profile has the potential to address significant unmet needs in one of the largest markets in immunology. We look forward to sharing important clinical updates for both programs in the second half of the year."
Second Quarter 2026 Financial Results
-- Total revenue was $106.3 million in the second quarter of 2026,
compared to $110.0 million for the same period in 2025. Product revenue,
net was $105.8 million in the second quarter of 2026, compared to $109.1
million for the same period in 2025. Net product revenue increased 11%
versus the prior quarter, driven by stabilization of ZEJULA and continued
volume growth for VYVGART. In the second half of the year, we expect to
further stabilize product sales while laying the foundation for a return
to meaningful growth in 2027.
-- Research and Development (R&D) expenses were $61.8 million in the
second quarter of 2026, compared to $50.6 million for the same period in
2025. This increase was primarily due to an increase in licensing fees
under our license and collaboration agreements, partially offset by
decreased clinical and pre-clinical costs.
-- Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) expenses were $72.9 million
in the second quarter of 2026, compared to $71.0 million for the same
period in 2025. SG&A remained relatively flat year over year, reflecting
continued efforts to streamline the organization, optimize resource
allocation, and enhance operating efficiency as the company advances its
next phase of growth.
-- Loss from operations was $76.5 million in the second quarter of 2026,
$60.4 million when adjusted to exclude certain non-cash expenses
including depreciation, amortization, and share-based compensation. A
reconciliation of loss from operations (GAAP) to adjusted loss from
operations (non-GAAP) is included at the end of this release.
-- Net loss was $50.8 million in the second quarter of 2026, or a loss per
ordinary share attributable to shareholders of $0.05 (or loss per
American Depositary Share (ADS) of $0.46), compared to a net loss of
$40.7 million for the same period in 2025, or a loss per ordinary share
of $0.04 (or loss per ADS of $0.37). The increase in net loss was
primarily due to higher licensing fees.
-- Cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, and current
restricted cash totaled $717.5 million as of June 30, 2026, compared to
$761.3 million as of March 31, 2026.
Recent Pipeline Highlights
Below are key product candidate updates since our last earnings release:
Oncology Pipeline
-- Zocilurtatug Pelitecan (zoci, DLL3-Targeting ADC) (formerly ZL-1310):
-- In July 2026, Zai Lab received Orphan Drug Designation $(ODD)$
from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for zoci for the
treatment of neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs).
-- In June 2026, Zai Lab received ODD from the European Medicines
Agency $(EMA)$ for zoci for the treatment of patients with pulmonary
NECs.
-- In May 2026, Zai Lab received Fast Track Designation from the
FDA for zoci for the treatment of patients with epNECs. This is
the second FDA Fast Track Designation for zoci, and we are
actively engaging with health authorities on a registrational plan
for epNECs.
-- In April 2026, Zai Lab partner Amgen initiated enrollment in the
global Phase 1b study (DeLLphi-313) evaluating zoci in combination
with tarlatamab with or without anti-PD-L1 in patients with SCLC.
-- TIVDAK (Tisotumab Vedotin, Tissue Factor ADC):
-- In June 2026, China's National Medical Products Administration
(NMPA) approved the Biologics License Application (BLA) for TIVDAK
for the treatment of adult patients with recurrent or metastatic
cervical cancer with disease progression on or after chemotherapy.
TIVDAK is the first ADC approved in China for this indication.
Immunology, Neuroscience, and Infectious Disease Pipeline
-- ZL-1503 (IL-13/IL-31R<ALPHA>): Completed enrollment in the single
ascending dose (SAD) portion of the Phase 1/1b study of ZL-1503 in
healthy volunteers, with initial PK, PD, safety and immunogenicity data
expected in the second half of 2026. Enrollment is ongoing in the
multiple ascending dose (MAD) portion of the study in patients with
atopic dermatitis.
-- VYVGART (FcRn): In May 2026, the FDA approved the supplemental
Biologics License Application (sBLA) submitted by Zai Lab's partner
argenx for VYVGART$(R)$ (efgartigimod alfa-fcab) and VYVGART Hytrulo(R)
(efgartigimod alfa and hyaluronidase-qvfc), expanding the label to
include all serotypes of adult patients living with generalized
myasthenia gravis (gMG) -- anti-AChR-Ab positive, anti-MuSK-Ab positive,
anti-LRP4-Ab positive, and triple seronegative. The approval is based on
data from the Phase 3 ADAPT SERON study. Zai Lab participated in the
ADAPT SERON study in Greater China. Zai Lab is preparing to seek
inclusion of VYVGART Hytrulo in China's National Reimbursement Drug List
(NRDL) in 2027.
-- KarXT (xanomeline and trospium chloride) (M1/M4-agonist): In June 2026,
Zai Lab commercially launched KarXT in mainland China for the treatment
of schizophrenia in adults. KarXT is the first schizophrenia therapy with
a novel mechanism of action approved in over 70 years, offering a
fundamentally new approach to treating schizophrenia through selective
activation of M1 and M4 muscarinic receptors. Zai Lab is preparing to
seek inclusion of KarXT in China's NRDL in 2027.
-- Povetacicept (pove, APRIL/BAFF): In June 2026, Zai Lab partner Vertex
announced that the FDA accepted its BLA submission for pove for
accelerated approval in adults with immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN),
with a PDUFA target action date of November 30, 2026. Zai Lab
participated in the global Phase 3 RAINIER study in Greater China.
Anticipated Major Milestones in 2026 and the First Half of 2027
Global Pipeline
Expected Clinical Developments and Data Readouts
Zocilurtatug Pelitecan (zoci, DLL3-Targeting ADC; formerly ZL-1310)
-- First-Line Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer (ES-SCLC): Report
initial Phase 1 data evaluating zoci in combination with atezolizumab,
with or without chemotherapy, at the European Society for Medical
Oncology (ESMO) 2026 Congress in October 2026 and, subject to emerging
data and regulatory discussions, initiate a registrational Phase 3 study
in the second half of 2026.
-- Second-Line Plus ES-SCLC: Complete enrollment in the global pivotal
Phase 3 DLLEVATE study in the first half of 2027 followed by a planned
interim analysis with the potential to support a BLA submission for
accelerated approval.
-- epNECs: Complete enrollment in the Phase 2 expansion portion of the
ongoing global Phase 1b/2 study evaluating zoci in patients with selected
solid tumors and, subject to regulatory feedback, advance the program
into registrational development in the second half of 2026.
ZL-1503 (IL-13/IL-31R<ALPHA>)
-- Report initial first-in-human data from the SAD portion of the global
Phase 1/1b study in healthy volunteers, including pharmacokinetics $(PK)$,
half-life, pharmacodynamic biomarkers (including pSTAT6), and safety, in
the second half of 2026.
-- Continue enrollment in the MAD portion of the Phase 1/1b study in
patients with atopic dermatitis. Initial clinical data from the MAD
portion expected in the first half of 2027.
ZL-6201 (LRRC15 ADC)
-- Provide topline results from the dose-escalation portion of the global
Phase 1a/b study evaluating ZL-6201 in patients with sarcoma and selected
tumors in the first half of 2027.
ZL-1222 (PD-1/IL-12)
-- Submit an IND application in the U.S. and initiate a global Phase 1
study in 2027.
ZL-1311 (MUC17/CD3)
-- Submit an IND application in the U.S. by year-end 2026 and initiate a
global Phase 1 study in the first half of 2027.
Regional Pipeline
Upcoming Potential NMPA Acceptance
-- Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) in locally advanced pancreatic
cancer.
Expected Clinical Developments and Data Readouts
Efgartigimod (FcRn)
-- Myositis: Zai Lab partner argenx to provide topline results from the
global Phase 2/3 ALKIVIA study evaluating autoimmune inflammatory
myopathies (AIM or myositis) in the third quarter of 2026. Zai Lab
participated in the ALKIVIA study in Greater China.
Elegrobart (Anti-IGF-1R, subcutaneous)
-- Zai Lab to complete enrollment in the Phase 3 registrational study for
the treatment of thyroid eye disease in China in the third quarter of
2026.
-- Zai Lab to provide topline results from the China Phase 3
registrational study in 2027.
Conference Call and Webcast Information
Zai Lab will host a live conference call and webcast today, August 6, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. ET (8:00 p.m. HKT). Listeners may access the live webcast by visiting the Company's website at http://ir.zailaboratory.com. Participants must register in advance of the conference call.
Details are as follows:
-- Registration link for webcast (preferred):
https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/4mhmttj2
-- Registration link for dial-in:
https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BIc69829b23daf4513a56e2253eaff583c
All participants must use the link provided above to complete the online registration process in advance of the conference call. Dial-in details will be in the confirmation email which the participant will receive upon registering.
A replay will be available shortly after the call and can be accessed by visiting the Company's website.
About Zai Lab
Zai Lab Limited (NASDAQ: ZLAB; HKEX: 9688) is an innovative, research-based, commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company based in China and the United States. We are focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative products that address medical conditions with significant unmet needs in the areas of oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and infectious disease. Our goal is to leverage our competencies and resources to positively impact human health.
For additional information about Zai Lab, please visit www.zailaboratory.com or follow us at https://x.com/ZaiLab_Global.
Non-GAAP Measures
In addition to results presented in accordance with GAAP, we disclose growth rates that have been adjusted to exclude the impact of changes due to the translation of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars. We have also presented a measure of adjusted loss from operations that adjusts GAAP loss from operations to exclude the impact of certain non-cash expenses including depreciation, amortization, and share-based compensation, which we refer to as "profitability." These adjusted growth rates and adjusted loss from operations are non-GAAP measures. We believe that these non-GAAP measures are important for an understanding of the performance of our business operations and financial results and provide investors with an additional perspective on operational trends and greater transparency into our historical and projected operating performance. Although we believe the non-GAAP financial measures enhance investors' understanding of our business and performance, these non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered an exclusive alternative to accompanying GAAP financial measures.
Zai Lab Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including statements relating to our strategy and plans; potential of and expectations for our business, commercial products, and pipeline programs; our goals, objectives, and priorities and our expectations under our growth strategy (including our expectations regarding our commercial products and launches, clinical stage products, revenue growth, profitability, and cash flow); clinical development programs and related clinical trials; clinical trial data, data readouts, and presentations; risks and uncertainties associated with drug development and commercialization; regulatory discussions, submissions, filings, and approvals and the timing thereof; the potential benefits, safety, and efficacy of our products and product candidates and those of our collaboration partners; the anticipated benefits and potential of investments, collaborations, and business development activities; our profitability and timeline to profitability; our future financial and operating results; and financial guidance, including with respect to our capital allocation and investment strategy and our expected path to profitability. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this press release are forward-looking statements, and can be identified by words such as "aim," "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "may," "plan," "poised," "positioned," "possible," "potential," "will," "would," and other similar expressions. Such statements constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees or assurances of future performance. Forward-looking statements are based on our expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and changes in circumstances that may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. We may not actually achieve the plans, carry out the intentions, or meet the expectations or projections disclosed in our forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including but not limited to (1) our ability to successfully commercialize and generate revenue from our approved products; (2) our ability to obtain funding for our operations and business initiatives; (3) the results of our clinical and pre-clinical development of our product candidates; (4) the content and timing of decisions made by the relevant regulatory authorities regarding regulatory approvals of our product candidates; (5) risks related to doing business in China; and (6) other factors identified in our most recent annual and quarterly reports and in other reports we have filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our expectations and assumptions to change, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.
Our SEC filings can be found on our website at www.zailaboratory.com and on the SEC's website at www.SEC.gov.
Zai Lab Limited
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands of U.S. dollars ($), except for number of shares and per
share data)
June 30, December 31,
2026 2025
----------- ---------------
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents 607,522 679,573
Restricted cash, current 100,000 100,000
Short-term investments 10,000 10,000
Accounts receivable (net of allowance
for credit losses of $20 and $31 as
of June 30, 2026 and December 31,
2025, respectively) 69,595 106,116
Notes receivable 3,395 12,169
Inventories, net 90,890 74,745
Prepayments and other current assets 32,635 36,683
---------- ------------
Total current assets 914,037 1,019,286
Restricted cash, non-current 1,118 1,116
Property and equipment, net 46,431 47,389
Operating lease right-of-use assets 16,159 19,152
Land use rights, net 2,883 2,853
Intangible assets, net 85,774 76,144
Deferred tax assets 4,848 3,390
Other non-current assets 3,543 3,054
---------- ------------
Total assets 1,074,793 1,172,384
========== ============
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable 136,692 141,608
Current operating lease liabilities 5,025 6,344
Short-term debt 238,104 204,530
Other current liabilities 48,763 63,684
---------- ------------
Total current liabilities 428,584 416,166
---------- ------------
Deferred income 27,500 27,333
Non-current operating lease
liabilities 11,447 13,385
Other non-current liabilities 225 --
---------- ------------
Total liabilities 467,756 456,884
---------- ------------
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity
Ordinary shares (par value of
$0.000006 per share;
5,000,000,000 shares authorized;
1,132,222,310 and 1,113,822,550
shares issued as of June 30, 2026
and December 31, 2025,
respectively; 1,122,445,390 and
1,106,389,340 shares outstanding
as of June 30, 2026 and December
31, 2025, respectively) 7 7
Additional paid-in capital 3,370,798 3,343,469
Accumulated deficit (2,730,461) (2,628,620)
Accumulated other comprehensive
income 214 29,697
Treasury Stock (at cost, 9,776,920
and 7,433,210 shares as of June
30, 2026 and December 31, 2025,
respectively) (33,521) (29,053)
---------- ------------
Total shareholders' equity 607,037 715,500
---------- ------------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity 1,074,793 1,172,384
========== ============
Zai Lab Limited
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands of $, except for number of shares and per share data)
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
------------------------------ --------------------------------
2026 2025 2026 2025
-------------- -------------- -------------- ----------------
Revenues
Product revenue,
net 105,751 109,085 201,307 214,735
Collaboration
revenue 560 892 4,615 1,729
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Total revenues 106,311 109,977 205,922 216,464
Expenses
Cost of product
revenue (48,162) (43,003) (86,477) (81,455)
Cost of
collaboration
revenue -- (217) (20) (412)
Research and
development (61,766) (50,614) (127,357) (111,343)
Selling,
general, and
administrative (72,872) (71,038) (137,942) (134,460)
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Loss from operations (76,489) (54,895) (145,874) (111,206)
Interest income 5,879 8,843 12,326 17,449
Interest
expenses (1,587) (1,262) (3,224) (2,449)
Foreign currency
gains 15,065 2,837 29,902 3,488
Other income,
net 5,285 3,750 5,447 3,553
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Loss before income
tax (51,847) (40,727) (101,423) (89,165)
Income tax benefit
(expense) 1,022 -- (418) --
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Net loss (50,825) (40,727) (101,841) (89,165)
============= ============= ============= =============
Loss per share -
basic and diluted (0.05) (0.04) (0.09) (0.08)
Weighted-average
shares used in
calculating net
loss per ordinary
share - basic and
diluted 1,116,973,380 1,091,933,150 1,112,208,460 1,086,413,130
Zai Lab Limited
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss
(in thousands of $)
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June
June 30, 30,
--------------------- ------------------------
2026 2025 2026 2025
----------- -------- ------------ ----------
Net loss (50,825) (40,727) (101,841) (89,165)
Other
comprehensive
loss, net of
tax of nil:
Foreign
currency
translation
adjustments (14,891) (2,955) (29,483) (4,167)
------- ------- -------- -------
Comprehensive loss (65,716) (43,682) (131,324) (93,332)
Zai Lab Limited
Non-GAAP Measures
(unaudited)
($ in thousands)
Growth on a Constant Exchange Rate (CER) Basis
Three Months Ended June Year over Year % Six Months Ended Year over Year %
30, Growth June 30, Growth
------------------------- -------------------- -------------------- ---------------------
2026 2025 As reported At CER* 2026 2025 As reported At CER*
------------ ----------- ----------- ------- --------- --------- ------------ -------
Product
revenue,
net 105,751 109,085 (3)% (7)% 201,307 214,735 (6)% (10)%
Loss from
operations (76,489) (54,895) 39% 36% (145,874) (111,206) 31% 29%
* The growth rates at CER were calculated assuming the same foreign currency exchange rates were in effect
for the current and prior year period
Reconciliation of Loss from Operations (GAAP) to Adjusted Loss
from Operations (Non-GAAP)
Three Months Ended June Six Months Ended June
30, 30,
------------------------ ------------------------
2026 2025 2026 2025
------------ ---------- ---------- ------------
GAAP loss from
operations (76,489) (54,895) (145,874) (111,206)
Plus:
Depreciation
and
amortization
expenses 4,173 3,735 8,117 7,193
Plus:
Share-based
compensation 11,941 16,973 25,465 32,773
-------- --------- --------- ---------
Adjusted loss
from
operations (60,375) (34,187) (112,292) (71,240)
======== ========= ========= =========
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260806560438/en/
CONTACT: Investor Relations:
Christine Chiou / Cyan Liu
+1 (917) 886-6929 / +86 195 3130 8895
christine.chiou1@zailaboratory.com / cyan.liu@zailaboratory.com
Media:
Shaun Maccoun / Xiaoyu Chen
+1 (415) 317-7255 / +86 185 0015 5011
shaun.maccoun@zailaboratory.com / xiaoyu.chen@zailaboratory.com
Comments