Breast cancer diagnoses have risen sharply in Iowa, which now ranks ninth in the United States (U.S.) for incidence. Since 2019, UI Pharmaceuticals (UIP) has supported Zetagen Therapeutics—a clinical-stage biotech company developing novel treatments for advanced breast cancer—by providing specialized sterile manufacturing and analytical testing services.

As part of this collaboration, UIP has manufactured ZetaMast™, Zetagen’s drug candidate designed to treat aggressive breast cancers that have metastasized to the liver. The product is produced as a sterile solution and formulated as a unique two-part material: a liquid combined with a sterile powder to form a hydrogel carrier containing the proprietary small molecule.

More than half of women with advanced breast cancer face liver involvement, and existing treatments typically extend life by only about nine months. ZetaMast™ delivers therapy directly to liver tumors, concentrating treatment where it’s needed while minimizing side effects.

In preclinical studies, ZetaMast™ reduced tumor volume by a factor of four compared with the standard chemotherapy drug doxorubicin in models of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) that had metastasized to the liver. This locoregional drug delivery approach represents a significant advancement in targeted cancer therapy, potentially improving survival outcomes for patients with advanced metastatic disease.

Pathway to Clinical Trials

Zetagen Therapeutics has secured a U.S. patent for ZetaMast™ and has filed for FDA Orphan Drug Designation, recognizing the treatment's potential for rare diseases affecting fewer than 200,000 Americans. The company plans to begin human clinical trials in early 2026, with UI Pharmaceuticals continuing to provide critical manufacturing support throughout the development process.

"Most traditional cancer therapies cannot distinguish between healthy and malignant cells, leaving patients to endure devastating side effects that extend far beyond their treatment. Learning about the success of this targeted drug delivery system and knowing our work at UI Pharmaceuticals contributes to this breakthrough therapy fills us with profound pride! Our client's success is our success, and every successful therapy we help bring to life gets us closer to our mission of improving the quality of patients' lives."

-Hima Bindu Gottam, Director of Formulation Development, UI Pharmaceuticals

Supporting Life-Saving Cancer Research

This collaboration exemplifies UI Pharmaceuticals' commitment to advancing innovative therapies from concept to clinic. With over 50 years of experience in clinical supply manufacturing, sterile production, and analytical services, UIP serves as a trusted partner for biotech companies, academic institutions, and government agencies developing breakthrough treatments.

Advance Your Cancer Therapy Development

Is your organization developing innovative cancer treatments? UI Pharmaceuticals offers comprehensive pharmaceutical development and manufacturing services, from formulation design through clinical supply production. Our experienced team specializes in complex formulations and sterile manufacturing for oncology applications.