Zevra Therapeutics is a clinical‐stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing next‐generation immunotherapies by targeting the extracellular matrix (ECM) within solid tumors. The company’s approach is built on the premise that the dense collagen network in many cancers acts as a physical and biochemical barrier to immune cell infiltration. By deploying innovative biologic agents designed to selectively remodel this tumor stroma, Zevra aims to enhance the efficacy of existing checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive cell therapies, potentially transforming outcomes for patients with hard‐to‐treat malignancies.
The company’s proprietary pipeline includes both gene therapy and protein engineering platforms. Its lead program, ZV-101, leverages a tumor‐selective collagenase delivered via lipid nanoparticle technology, currently advancing through Phase 1 clinical evaluation. A second candidate, ZV-201, combines a matrix‐modulating antibody fragment with an immunostimulatory payload to promote durable T‐cell activity in fibrotic microenvironments. In addition to oncology, Zevra is exploring opportunities in autoimmune and fibrotic diseases where ECM deposition plays a key pathological role.
Founded in 2020 as a spin‐out from leading academic research institutions, Zevra Therapeutics has since established research facilities in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and maintains strategic partnerships with several U.S. and European cancer centers. The company’s R&D efforts are supported by collaborations that span early discovery through clinical validation, including alliances with gene therapy vector specialists and immunology experts. These relationships underpin Zevra’s commitment to advancing novel modalities that address unmet medical needs in both oncology and beyond.
Headquartered in Boston, Zevra Therapeutics is led by a team of experienced biotech executives and scientific founders. Dr. Paul Henderson, Chief Executive Officer, brings over 25 years of drug development experience, while Dr. Emily Chen, Chief Scientific Officer, has driven translational programs in protein engineering and immunology. Together with a cross‐functional leadership group, Zevra is focused on driving its ECM‐targeted immunotherapy candidates through clinical milestones and towards potential partnerships or commercial readiness.
AI Generated. May Contain Errors.
