Zenith Epigenetics
Zenith Epigenetics is a Calgary-based clinical-stage biotechnology company developing BET protein inhibitors for multiple cancers, with lead candidate ZEN-3694 in Phase 2 trials and operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zenith Capital Corp.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersCalgary, Canada
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Zenith Epigenetics does
Zenith Epigenetics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, founded in June 2013 as a spinout from Resverlogix Corp. (TSX: RVX) and operating today as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zenith Capital Corp. The company develops bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) protein inhibitors for the treatment of cancers with significant unmet medical need, with its lead candidate ZEN-3694 in Phase 2 clinical development across prostate cancer, NUT carcinoma, triple negative breast cancer, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, colorectal cancer, and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST). Its underlying technology is an epigenetic BET inhibitor platform that pairs novel BET inhibitors with targeted agents (including CDK4/6, PARP, and immune checkpoint inhibitors) in combination regimens designed to overcome drug resistance, supported by translational medicine work on patient enrichment and selection biomarkers. More than 550 patients have received ZEN-3694 across the clinical program to date.
The business model is structured around clinical development partnerships rather than commercial sales. Revenue sources are limited to (1) licensing and milestone payments from regional partners, principally Newsoara BioPharma for the Greater China market (US$15 million in upfront and near-term payments, up to US$63 million in milestones, royalties up to 6% on net sales); (2) cooperative research and development funding from the U.S. National Cancer Institute under a CRADA framework covering 10 NCI-sponsored trials; and (3) periodic private placement equity financings (cumulative disclosed funding of approximately US$59 million across 2014-2025). The company has no commercial product, no disclosed pricing, and provides investigational medication free of charge through Expanded Access and Right to Try programs for NUT carcinoma patients.
Zenith's go-to-market approach relies on enterprise-level clinical collaborations with leading U.S. oncology institutions (UCSF, Memorial Sloan Kettering, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute), NCI-sponsored trials, and regional licensing partners for future commercialization. The company holds FDA Fast Track and Orphan Drug designations for ZEN-3694 in NUT carcinoma and is a SEDAR reporting issuer in all Canadian provinces, though its shares are privately held and not listed on any public exchange. Recent corporate activity includes a June 2025 US$16.6 million financing round and a May 2026 amendment of related-party promissory notes increasing the coupon to 18%.
Zenith Epigenetics firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Zenith Epigenetics
- Legal name
- Zenith Epigenetics Ltd.
- Website
- https://zenithepigenetics.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Zenith Epigenetics is a Calgary-based clinical-stage biotechnology company developing BET protein inhibitors for multiple cancers, with lead candidate ZEN-3694 in Phase 2 trials and operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zenith Capital Corp.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Zenith Epigenetics industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Oncology Therapeutics
- NAICS
- Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)
- SIC
- Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Drug Discovery (Target ID/Validation & Hit Discovery) (HLAIALAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Target Identification & Validation Platforms (omics-driven, chemoproteomics, genetic validation) (HLAAAIAI), Predictive Biomarkers for Therapy Selection (response/non-response stratification) (HLAAAMAE), Genomic & Multi-Omic Biomarkers (NGS panels, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) (HLAAAMAJ)
Keywords
Where Zenith Epigenetics is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Calgary
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Zenith Epigenetics business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Others
Revenue model
- Licensing and Milestone Payments: Zenith Epigenetics generates revenue through licensing agreements with regional partners, receiving upfront payments, development and commercial milestone payments, and royalties on net sales. The Newsoara agreement demonstrates this model with upfront/near-term payments of US$15 million, sales milestones up to US$63 million, and royalties up to 6% on net sales.
- Research and Development Funding: The company receives funding through NCI cooperative research and development agreements (CRADAs) where NCI sponsors and funds clinical trials evaluating ZEN-3694 in multiple oncology indications.
- Private Placement Financing: The company raises capital through private placements of equity to fund research and development activities, general and administrative expenses, and working capital.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
Zenith Epigenetics product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Zenith Epigenetics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing best-in-class bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) protein inhibitors for the treatment of multiple cancers. Its lead clinical candidate, ZEN-3694, is an orally available BET inhibitor in Phase 2 trials for prostate cancer, NUT carcinoma, breast, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, colorectal cancers, and MPNST. The company also operates an Expanded Access Program providing compassionate-use access to ZEN-3694 for NUT carcinoma patients ineligible for clinical studies.
Product overview
Zenith Epigenetics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing best-in-class bromodomain and extra-terminal inhibitors (BETi) for the treatment of multiple cancers. The company's core offering centers on ZEN-3694, its lead clinical BET inhibitor compound in Phase 2 trials for prostate cancer and proof-of-concept solid tumor trials across NUT carcinoma, breast, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, colorectal cancer, and MPNST. The company also offers an Expanded Access Program for compassionate use of ZEN-3694 in NUT carcinoma patients. The BET Inhibitor Platform enables the development of novel combination therapies pairing BET inhibitors with targeted agents to overcome drug resistance.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- ZEN-3694 Lead clinical candidate; a potent, selective, orally available BET bromodomain inhibitor for the treatment of multiple cancers including prostate cancer, NUT carcinoma, breast cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST). Currently in Phase 2 trials.
- ZEN-3694 Expanded Access Program
Quantifiable outcome
- 71 Expanded Access Program applications received from 21 countries, with 28 patients receiving ZEN-3694 through the program.
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Zenith Epigenetics
Customer profileSegments1 record
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Zenith Epigenetics technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Zenith Epigenetics partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CentercorePhase 2 clinical trial evaluating ZEN-3694 as monotherapy in patients with NSD3 amplified squamous lung cancer. Led by Dr. Paul Paik at MSKCC (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05607108).
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center - Hillman Cancer CentercorePhase 2 clinical trial evaluating ZEN-3694 in combination with PARP inhibitor talazoparib in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. Led by Dr. Alexander Olawaiye (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05071937).
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard UniversitycoreCollaborating on NUT carcinoma clinical studies, specifically NCT05019716 evaluating ZEN-3694 in combination with cisplatin & etoposide for NUT carcinoma treatment.
- National Cancer Institute - Breast Cancer TrialscoreTwo NCI-sponsored clinical trials evaluating ZEN-3694 combinations in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC): NCT05111561 and NCT05422794 addressing the unmet need in this aggressive breast cancer subtype.
- National Cancer Institute (NCI)coreCooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) to develop ZEN-3694 for multiple oncology indications. NCI provides clinical development and regulatory infrastructure with most costs funded by NCI. Currently evaluating ZEN-3694 in 10 clinical trials for safety and efficacy in multiple oncology indications. First clinical study combines ZEN-3694 with BMS's nivolumab and ipilimumab for resistant ovarian cancer.
- University of California San Francisco / Merck CollaborationcorePhase 2 clinical trial testing ZEN-3694 + Merck's pembrolizumab in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients who are androgen receptor pathway independent. Triple combination includes ZEN-3694, pembrolizumab, and Pfizer's enzalutamide. Led by Dr. Rahul Aggarwal at UCSF (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04471974).
- Newsoara BioPharma Co., Ltd.coreLicensing agreement for ZEN-3694 in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau markets. Newsoara has 100% development and commercialization rights and is responsible for all associated costs. Terms include upfront/near-term payments of US$15 million, development and commercial milestones up to US$63 million, and royalties up to 6% on net sales (adjustable down to minimum 4% based on annual sales milestones). Currently collaborating on ZEN-3694 + enzalutamide combination for mCRPC in China/USA Phase 2b trial.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Zenith Epigenetics competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Bristol-Myers Squibb: Has a clinical BET inhibitor (BMS-986158) and is referenced as a combination partner of Zenith (nivolumab + ipilimumab). A broad incumbent with overlapping bromodomain and immuno-oncology combination interests.
- AbbVie: Large oncology player with disclosed BET inhibitor and bromodomain programs across hematologic and solid tumor indications. A relevant broad incumbent given the size of its oncology portfolio and combination-development scale.
- Incyte Corporation: Established oncology company that has historically developed BET inhibitors (e.g., INCB054329) and pursues combination strategies in hematology and solid tumors, providing a broad-incumbent comparator for Zenith's combination approach.
Emerging players
- NewLimit: Epigenetic-medicine company that raised a $130M Series B in the same funding cycle as Zenith. Comparable as a well-capitalized emerging peer in the broader epigenetics investment theme.
- Tenax Therapeutics: Smaller clinical-stage company that has worked in adjacent cardiovascular and BET-related biology spaces. Provides a relevant small-cap comparable for clinical development risk profile and capital-raising dynamics.
- Epigenic Therapeutics: Emerging epigenetics company that recently raised a $60M Series B in the same funding window as Zenith. Comparable as a fellow emerging epigenetics platform with overlapping mechanism and investor base.
Direct peers
- Resverlogix Corp. Parent/spin-out source of Zenith's BET platform and a fellow epigenetic drug developer (apabetalone). Shares scientific lineage and bromodomain biology focus, making it a directly comparable epigenetic small-cap.
- Syros Pharmaceuticals: Clinical-stage company developing selective small molecules that control gene expression via epigenetic targets, including oncology. Comparable as a precision oncology platform based on chromatin/epigenetic biology.
- Forma Therapeutics (now Novo Nordisk): Developed FT-1101, a BET inhibitor in hematologic malignancies, and broader epigenetic programs in oncology. Comparable as a clinical-stage developer that pursued BET-targeted oncology therapies.
- Constellation Pharmaceuticals: Clinical-stage developer of BET inhibitors (e.g., pelabresib) in oncology and myelofibrosis, pursuing combination strategies very similar to Zenith's ZEN-3694 program. Acquired by MorphoSys in 2021, it is the most direct BETi comparator.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Zenith Epigenetics social profiles
Digital presenceZenith Epigenetics financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Zenith Epigenetics leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Zenith Epigenetics funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds3 records
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Zenith Epigenetics M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Zenith Epigenetics
What does Zenith Epigenetics do?
Zenith Epigenetics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing best-in-class bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) protein inhibitors for the treatment of multiple cancers. Its lead clinical candidate, ZEN-3694, is an orally available BET inhibitor in Phase 2 trials for prostate cancer, NUT carcinoma, breast, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, colorectal cancers, and MPNST. The company also operates an Expanded Access Program providing compassionate-use access to ZEN-3694 for NUT carcinoma patients ineligible for clinical studies.
Is Zenith Epigenetics a public or private company?
Zenith Epigenetics is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Zenith Epigenetics founded?
Zenith Epigenetics was founded in 2013. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Zenith Epigenetics based?
Zenith Epigenetics is headquartered in Calgary, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Zenith Epigenetics make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Licensing and Milestone Payments are the primary driver. The others are research and Development Funding and private Placement Financing.
Who are Zenith Epigenetics's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Bristol-Myers Squibb, AbbVie and Incyte Corporation. Emerging players are NewLimit, Tenax Therapeutics and Epigenic Therapeutics. Direct peers are Resverlogix Corp., Syros Pharmaceuticals, Forma Therapeutics (now Novo Nordisk) and Constellation Pharmaceuticals.
Does Zenith Epigenetics have an API?
No public API is recorded for Zenith Epigenetics.
What industry is Zenith Epigenetics in?
Zenith Epigenetics's product category is Oncology Therapeutics. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAIALAA, Drug Discovery (Target ID/Validation & Hit Discovery), with a secondary code of HLAAAIAI, Target Identification & Validation Platforms (omics-driven, chemoproteomics, genetic validation). Its NAICS code is 541714 and its SIC code is 2834.