Zenas BioPharma Doses First Subject in Phase 1 Trial of ZB021
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 13 2026
0mins
Zenas BioPharma announced that the first subject has been dosed in the Phase 1 trial of ZB021, a novel potentially best-in-class oral IL-17AA/AF inhibitor. The Phase 1 trial is designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic properties of ZB021 in healthy volunteers and to establish proof-of-concept in patients with plaque psoriasis. Phase 1 SAD and MAD data expected by year-end 2026, with proof-of-concept data in psoriasis patients anticipated in 2027.
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Analyst Views on ZBIO
Wall Street analysts forecast ZBIO stock price to rise
5 Analyst Rating
4 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 19.560
Low
19.00
Averages
41.20
High
55.00
Current: 19.560
Low
19.00
Averages
41.20
High
55.00
About ZBIO
Zenas BioPharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage global biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of transformative therapies for patients with autoimmune diseases. The Company's lead product candidate, obexelimab, is a bifunctional monoclonal antibody designed to bind both CD19 and FcyRIIb, which are broadly present across B cell lineage, to inhibit the activity of cells that are implicated in many autoimmune diseases without depleting them. The Company is developing obexelimab as a potential immunology and inflammation (I&I) franchise for patients in several autoimmune diseases. The first three indications it is pursuing include immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD), relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Its other programs include ZB002 (an anti-TNFα monoclonal antibody), ZB004 (a CTLA-4-Ig fusion), and ZB001 and related programs. ZB002 is a recombinant human monoclonal antibody directed at human TNFα.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Zenas BioPharma Presents Phase 3 INDIGO Trial Results
- Significant Trial Results: Zenas BioPharma's INDIGO trial demonstrated a 56% significant reduction in the risk of IgG4-related disease flare with obexelimab (HR 0.443, p=0.0005), not only meeting the primary endpoint but also providing strong clinical justification for future treatment options.
- Good Safety Profile: The trial reported treatment-emergent adverse events in 97.9% of obexelimab participants compared to 95.9% in the placebo group, with a significantly lower incidence of Grade ≥3 adverse events (11.3% vs 23.7%), indicating its favorable tolerability.
- Multiple Secondary Endpoints Achieved: Obexelimab showed high statistical significance across all four key secondary endpoints, including time to first flare (p=0.0001) and complete remission rates (p=0.0049), establishing a solid foundation for its competitive positioning in the market.
- Positive Future Outlook: Zenas plans to report results from its systemic lupus erythematosus trial in Q4 2026, further validating obexelimab's clinical application potential, which is expected to enhance the company's market position in autoimmune diseases.
See More
Zenas BioPharma Q1 Earnings Beat Expectations
- Strong Earnings Report: Zenas BioPharma reported a Q1 GAAP EPS of -$1.46, beating expectations by $0.22, indicating improvements in financial management that may boost investor confidence.
- Healthy Cash Position: As of March 31, 2026, the company had $718.5 million in cash, cash equivalents, and investments, along with $45 million from the underwriters' full exercise of their over-allotment option, ensuring liquidity for upcoming years.
- Future Funding Assurance: The company anticipates receiving a potential $75 million milestone from Royalty Pharma and $75 million drawn from Pharmakon's debt facility, which will further support its operating expenses and capital expenditures at least through Q2 2029, enhancing market confidence in its long-term growth.
- Optimistic Market Outlook: Zenas BioPharma is rated as a 'Strong Buy' on the enhancement of obexelimab and expected SLE data in Q4 2026, reflecting strong market anticipation for its products, which could drive stock price increases.
See More
Zenas BioPharma CEO Purchases Over $1M in Shares
- Insider Buying: Zenas BioPharma CEO Lonnie Moulder disclosed in a regulatory filing that he purchased 60,000 shares at an average price of $17.79, totaling over $1M, indicating strong confidence in the company's future.
- Increased Stake: Following these transactions, Moulder's stake in Zenas has risen to nearly 1.8M shares, reflecting his firm belief in the company's long-term growth, especially in light of upcoming mid-stage trial data.
- Ongoing Investment: From January to March, Moulder added nearly $3.7M worth of company stock in three separate transactions, each exceeding $1M, demonstrating his bullish outlook on the company's prospects.
- Market Anticipation: Zenas BioPharma is awaiting mid-stage trial data for its lead asset obexelimab targeting systemic lupus erythematosus, a pivotal moment that could significantly impact the company's market performance and stock price trajectory.
See More
Executive Stock Purchase Activity
- Executive Purchase: CEO Leon O Moulder Jr executed a purchase of 54 shares on March 30, 2026, indicating confidence in the company's future, which may positively impact investor sentiment.
- Market Reaction: Such executive stock purchases are often viewed as a positive signal regarding the company's outlook, potentially attracting more investor interest and enhancing stock liquidity and market recognition.
- Strategic Implications: The executive's stock purchase not only reflects trust in the company's value but may also enhance external confidence in the company's governance structure, promoting long-term growth.
- Investor Confidence: As news of the executive purchase spreads, it may elevate market expectations for the company's future performance, thereby influencing stock price movements and bolstering investor confidence.
See More
Stock Futures Rise as Trump Delays Military Action Against Iran
- Unity Software Growth: Unity Software shares surged 15% after raising its Q1 revenue outlook to $505M-$508M, exceeding previous guidance of $480M-$490M, driven by strong performance in its Unity Vector offering, with Create revenue expected around $115M and Grow at $353M, while adjusted EBITDA is projected at $130M-$135M, indicating robust growth potential.
- Argan's Strong Performance: Argan shares rose 9% following a 13% year-over-year revenue increase in Q4, with both gross and EBITDA margins expanding by 450 basis points, and the company highlighted robust demand with $2.5B in new contracts added during the year, ending with a project backlog exceeding $2.9B, showcasing strong growth and profitability momentum.
- Zenas BioPharma Financing Plans: Zenas BioPharma shares fell 12% after announcing a dual capital raise, including $200M in 2.50% convertible senior notes and a 5M-share equity offering priced at $20 per share, with expected net proceeds of approximately $287.5M, indicating urgency in financing strategies as the notes mature in 2032.
- Veritone's Weak Preliminary Results: Veritone shares declined 8% after reporting preliminary Q4 revenue expectations of $18.1M-$30.0M, significantly below the $34.3M consensus, with preliminary GAAP net loss projected at $25.1M-$37.0M, reflecting financial pressures faced by the company.
See More
Zenas BioPharma Completes $300 Million Dual Offering
- Offering Size: Zenas BioPharma has successfully priced a dual offering consisting of $200 million in 2.50% convertible senior notes and 5 million equity shares, raising a total of $300 million, reflecting strong market recognition of its capital needs.
- Net Proceeds Expectation: After deducting underwriting fees and related expenses, the company anticipates approximately $287.5 million in net proceeds from this offering, which will provide crucial funding for its ongoing research and operations.
- Overallotment Option: The underwriters have a 30-day option to purchase an additional $30 million in convertible notes and 750,000 equity shares, enhancing the offering's success potential and providing flexibility in capital raising.
- Transaction Timeline: This dual offering is expected to close on March 31, 2026, marking Zenas BioPharma's proactive positioning in the capital markets to support its future clinical trials and product development.
See More
Zenas BioPharma Presents Phase 3 INDIGO Trial Results
- Significant Trial Results: Zenas BioPharma's INDIGO trial demonstrated a 56% significant reduction in the risk of IgG4-related disease flare with obexelimab (HR 0.443, p=0.0005), not only meeting the primary endpoint but also providing strong clinical justification for future treatment options.
- Good Safety Profile: The trial reported treatment-emergent adverse events in 97.9% of obexelimab participants compared to 95.9% in the placebo group, with a significantly lower incidence of Grade ≥3 adverse events (11.3% vs 23.7%), indicating its favorable tolerability.
- Multiple Secondary Endpoints Achieved: Obexelimab showed high statistical significance across all four key secondary endpoints, including time to first flare (p=0.0001) and complete remission rates (p=0.0049), establishing a solid foundation for its competitive positioning in the market.
- Positive Future Outlook: Zenas plans to report results from its systemic lupus erythematosus trial in Q4 2026, further validating obexelimab's clinical application potential, which is expected to enhance the company's market position in autoimmune diseases.
See More
Zenas BioPharma Q1 Earnings Beat Expectations
- Strong Earnings Report: Zenas BioPharma reported a Q1 GAAP EPS of -$1.46, beating expectations by $0.22, indicating improvements in financial management that may boost investor confidence.
- Healthy Cash Position: As of March 31, 2026, the company had $718.5 million in cash, cash equivalents, and investments, along with $45 million from the underwriters' full exercise of their over-allotment option, ensuring liquidity for upcoming years.
- Future Funding Assurance: The company anticipates receiving a potential $75 million milestone from Royalty Pharma and $75 million drawn from Pharmakon's debt facility, which will further support its operating expenses and capital expenditures at least through Q2 2029, enhancing market confidence in its long-term growth.
- Optimistic Market Outlook: Zenas BioPharma is rated as a 'Strong Buy' on the enhancement of obexelimab and expected SLE data in Q4 2026, reflecting strong market anticipation for its products, which could drive stock price increases.
See More
Zenas BioPharma CEO Purchases Over $1M in Shares
- Insider Buying: Zenas BioPharma CEO Lonnie Moulder disclosed in a regulatory filing that he purchased 60,000 shares at an average price of $17.79, totaling over $1M, indicating strong confidence in the company's future.
- Increased Stake: Following these transactions, Moulder's stake in Zenas has risen to nearly 1.8M shares, reflecting his firm belief in the company's long-term growth, especially in light of upcoming mid-stage trial data.
- Ongoing Investment: From January to March, Moulder added nearly $3.7M worth of company stock in three separate transactions, each exceeding $1M, demonstrating his bullish outlook on the company's prospects.
- Market Anticipation: Zenas BioPharma is awaiting mid-stage trial data for its lead asset obexelimab targeting systemic lupus erythematosus, a pivotal moment that could significantly impact the company's market performance and stock price trajectory.
See More
Executive Stock Purchase Activity
- Executive Purchase: CEO Leon O Moulder Jr executed a purchase of 54 shares on March 30, 2026, indicating confidence in the company's future, which may positively impact investor sentiment.
- Market Reaction: Such executive stock purchases are often viewed as a positive signal regarding the company's outlook, potentially attracting more investor interest and enhancing stock liquidity and market recognition.
- Strategic Implications: The executive's stock purchase not only reflects trust in the company's value but may also enhance external confidence in the company's governance structure, promoting long-term growth.
- Investor Confidence: As news of the executive purchase spreads, it may elevate market expectations for the company's future performance, thereby influencing stock price movements and bolstering investor confidence.
See More
Stock Futures Rise as Trump Delays Military Action Against Iran
- Unity Software Growth: Unity Software shares surged 15% after raising its Q1 revenue outlook to $505M-$508M, exceeding previous guidance of $480M-$490M, driven by strong performance in its Unity Vector offering, with Create revenue expected around $115M and Grow at $353M, while adjusted EBITDA is projected at $130M-$135M, indicating robust growth potential.
- Argan's Strong Performance: Argan shares rose 9% following a 13% year-over-year revenue increase in Q4, with both gross and EBITDA margins expanding by 450 basis points, and the company highlighted robust demand with $2.5B in new contracts added during the year, ending with a project backlog exceeding $2.9B, showcasing strong growth and profitability momentum.
- Zenas BioPharma Financing Plans: Zenas BioPharma shares fell 12% after announcing a dual capital raise, including $200M in 2.50% convertible senior notes and a 5M-share equity offering priced at $20 per share, with expected net proceeds of approximately $287.5M, indicating urgency in financing strategies as the notes mature in 2032.
- Veritone's Weak Preliminary Results: Veritone shares declined 8% after reporting preliminary Q4 revenue expectations of $18.1M-$30.0M, significantly below the $34.3M consensus, with preliminary GAAP net loss projected at $25.1M-$37.0M, reflecting financial pressures faced by the company.
See More
Zenas BioPharma Completes $300 Million Dual Offering
- Offering Size: Zenas BioPharma has successfully priced a dual offering consisting of $200 million in 2.50% convertible senior notes and 5 million equity shares, raising a total of $300 million, reflecting strong market recognition of its capital needs.
- Net Proceeds Expectation: After deducting underwriting fees and related expenses, the company anticipates approximately $287.5 million in net proceeds from this offering, which will provide crucial funding for its ongoing research and operations.
- Overallotment Option: The underwriters have a 30-day option to purchase an additional $30 million in convertible notes and 750,000 equity shares, enhancing the offering's success potential and providing flexibility in capital raising.
- Transaction Timeline: This dual offering is expected to close on March 31, 2026, marking Zenas BioPharma's proactive positioning in the capital markets to support its future clinical trials and product development.
See More
