Kezar Life Sciences is a South San Francisco-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on novel small-molecule therapeutics against the immunoproteasome and the protein secretion pathway. Its lead candidate, KZR-616, is an immunoproteasome inhibitor built on more than a decade of research led by Christopher Kirk. The company is also advancing discovery programs targeting protein secretion and transmembrane protein expression, including a structured research collaboration with UCSF. Kezar plans to use the new financing to continue development of KZR-616 and to advance its discovery pipeline. The company is led by CEO John Fowler and President/CSO Christopher Kirk. Financially, Kezar closed a $50M Series B and has raised a total of $73M since its inception in 2015. Kezar Life Sciences discovers and develops drugs targeting protein homeostasis with a focus on autoimmune disorders. Its lead program is an immunoproteasome inhibitor intended to treat autoimmune disease. The company plans to advance the lead candidate into Phase 1a and 1b clinical trials to demonstrate safety and efficacy in patients. Kezar also intends to advance drug discovery programs targeting protein secretion. The company completed a $23M Series A financing to fund these efforts, with participation from Morningside Venture, Cormorant Asset Management, EcoR1 Capital, 9W Capital Management, Omega Funds, Aju IB Investment and private investors. In connection with the financing, Onyx Pharmaceuticals (an Amgen subsidiary) licensed immunoproteasome-related IP to Kezar and will hold a minority equity interest.

Total raised

$73M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Series B

Latest activity

Jul 2017