- A Phase 1b study will assess the combination of zongertinib and zanidatamab in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.
Ingelheim, Germany – January 12, 2026 – Boehringer Ingelheim today revealed a strategic clinical partnership with Jazz Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: JAZZ) to investigate a new combination treatment for individuals suffering from HER2-positive breast cancer. This collaboration involves the launch of a Phase 1b cohort within Boehringer’s existing Beamion-BCGC1 trial, which will test the combined use of Boehringer’s zongertinib and Jazz’s zanidatamab for breast cancer.
Even with considerable advancements in HER2-targeted treatments, HER2-positive breast cancer continues to be an aggressive form, making up about 15–20% of all breast cancer cases. Patients with advanced or metastatic disease still face low five-year survival rates, approximately 50%. This partnership seeks to enhance patient results by merging two distinct HER2-targeted strategies, potentially providing a novel treatment alternative for patients.
“Boehringer Ingelheim is dedicated to advancing scientific frontiers to provide groundbreaking solutions for patients with significant unmet medical needs,” stated Itziar Canamasas, Global Head of Oncology at Boehringer Ingelheim. “Through the combination of zongertinib’s precise method and zanidatamab’s distinctive bispecific antibody action, our goal is to open up new avenues for individuals affected by HER2-expressing breast cancer.”
Amal Melhem-Bertrandt, VP, Oncology Therapy Area Head and Zanidatamab Global Clinical Lead at Jazz Pharmaceuticals, commented, “This research partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim stems from our mutual vision to revolutionize treatment approaches for HER2-expressing breast cancer by exploring this innovative HER2-targeted combination therapy, alongside potential prospects to improve outcomes across various tumor types.”
HERNEXEOS® (zongertinib tablets) recently secured accelerated approval from the FDA in the U.S., conditional approval from the CDE in China, and marketing authorization from the PMDA in Japan. It is recognized as the inaugural orally administered, targeted therapy for patients with previously treated HER2 (ERBB2)-mutant advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The Beamion LUNG-1 trial showed that zongertinib achieved an objective response rate (ORR) of 71% specifically in pre-treated individuals with HER2-mutant NSCLC, exhibiting sustained responses. Zongertinib is additionally being studied in ongoing clinical trials for a range of HER2-driven tumors.
ZIIHERA® (zanidatamab), a bispecific HER2-directed antibody, has obtained accelerated approval from the U.S. FDA for managing adults with previously treated, unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive (IHC 3+) biliary tract cancer. Moreover, it is presently undergoing Phase III trials for GEA, BTC, and metastatic breast cancer, and is also being explored in earlier treatment stages for other tumor types.
The companies expect this study to yield crucial insights into the safety and effectiveness of dual HER2 blockade, which will guide the creation of a potential future combination therapy.
Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer Ingelheim operates as a biopharmaceutical firm engaged in both human and animal health sectors. As a leading industry investor in research and development, the company concentrates on creating novel therapies capable of enhancing and prolonging lives in fields with significant unmet medical requirements. Having been independent since its establishment in 1885, Boehringer adopts a long-term outlook, integrating sustainability throughout its complete value chain. Our workforce of approximately 54,500 employees caters to over 130 markets, striving to forge a healthier and more sustainable future. Learn more at .
Intended Audiences Notice
This press release originates from our Corporate Headquarters in Ingelheim, Germany, and aims to convey details regarding our worldwide operations. Kindly note that data concerning the approval status and product labels of authorized products can differ across nations, and a country-specific press release on this subject might have been released in the territories where we conduct business.
