COPENHAGEN, Denmark, October 19, 2026
Zealand Pharma A/S (NASDAQ: ZEAL), a biotechnology company developing medicines for metabolic health and other therapeutic areas, announced positive topline results from the multiple ascending dose (MAD) portion of its Phase 1 trial evaluating ZP9830, a novel, selective Kv1.3 ion channel blocker being developed for immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. In the study involving 32 healthy male and female participants, multiple doses of ZP9830 were well tolerated over a four-week treatment period, with no dose-limiting safety findings or serious or severe adverse events reported. Treatment-emergent adverse events among participants receiving ZP9830 were non-serious and mild. The findings support further clinical development, with pharmacokinetic results considered supportive of longer-duration studies. Zealand Pharma has already initiated a Phase 1b trial in patients with plaque psoriasis and plans to initiate a Phase 2 trial in an additional autoimmune disease in the first half of 2027. The company views ZP9830 as a potential pipeline-in-a-product opportunity because of its possible application across multiple autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
Multiple Ascending Dose Study Shows Favorable Tolerability
The completed MAD portion of the first-in-human Phase 1 study was designed to assess the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics (PK) of repeated doses of ZP9830. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 32 healthy participants and involved four weeks of treatment, followed by safety monitoring through Day 41. Zealand Pharma reported no dose-limiting safety findings or other significant safety concerns during the MAD portion. Treatment-emergent adverse events in participants receiving ZP9830 were mild and non-serious, and no clinically relevant changes were observed in vital signs, 12-lead electrocardiogram recordings, physical examinations or safety laboratory parameters. The pharmacokinetic findings also supported continued investigation in studies with longer treatment durations. David Kendall, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Zealand Pharma, described the results as an encouraging milestone for the program, noting that the tolerability findings support continued development. The Phase 1 study, registered as NCT06682975, includes both single ascending dose (SAD) and multiple ascending dose components. Results from the SAD portion were reported earlier in 2026, while the broader study continues to evaluate safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics following an additional single dose.
ZP9830 Targets Kv1.3 Channels Involved in Immune Activation
ZP9830 is a potent and selective blocker of the Kv1.3 potassium ion channel, which is upregulated on effector memory T cells involved in autoimmune responses and chronic inflammation. These immune cells can release pro-inflammatory cytokines that contribute to tissue damage in inflammatory diseases. By selectively blocking Kv1.3, ZP9830 is designed to modulate the activity of these cells while potentially preserving other protective functions of the immune system. Zealand Pharma said the anti-inflammatory effects of Kv1.3 channel blockade have been demonstrated in preclinical models of immunological disorders. The target’s selective expression on effector memory T cells provides the scientific rationale for investigating the candidate across a range of immune-mediated conditions. The mechanism remains under clinical investigation, and the Phase 1 findings primarily address safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics rather than establishing therapeutic efficacy. The company’s ongoing development program will help determine whether the candidate can produce meaningful clinical benefits in patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
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Development Advances Toward Psoriasis and Additional Indications
Following earlier positive topline results from the SAD portion of the Phase 1 study, Zealand Pharma initiated a Phase 1b trial with efficacy endpoints in patients with plaque psoriasis. The company said the completed MAD results support continued development and plans to explore an additional autoimmune disease through a Phase 2 trial targeted to begin in the first half of 2027. These next-stage studies are expected to provide further evidence on the candidate’s clinical activity, safety and potential use in longer-term treatment. The planned expansion reflects Zealand Pharma’s interest in developing ZP9830 for more than one immune-mediated indication, although its effectiveness across these conditions has not yet been established. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Copenhagen, Zealand Pharma has more than 25 years of peptide research and development experience and focuses on obesity, metabolic health and other therapeutic opportunities. The company has advanced more than ten internally developed drug candidates into clinical development, with two products reaching the market and three candidates in late-stage development, according to its announcement. The latest ZP9830 results represent an early clinical milestone as the company progresses its immunology pipeline.
Source::Zealand Pharma,,,press release
