SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Kezar Life Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: KZR), a clinical-stage biotechnology company discovering and developing breakthrough treatments for immune-mediated and oncologic disorders, today announced that the Company will pull forward its virtual Research and Development (R&D) Day to Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 4:30 pm ET/1:30 pm PT.
“The goal of Kezar’s R&D Day is to set expectations for 2023, provide updates on our two clinical assets, and highlight the productivity from our Discovery team. We are progressing more quickly than planned with initiating PALIZADE, our next study of zetomipzomib for the treatment of lupus nephritis, and look forward to sharing the details,” said John Fowler, Kezar’s Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer.
In addition, Craig S. Lammert, M.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine and Executive Director of the Autoimmune Hepatitis Association, will present on autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), the unmet need, and the treatment landscape. PORTOLA, a signal seeking study of zetomipzomib in AIH, initiated in the first quarter 2023.
The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session.
Presenters:
- John Fowler, Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder
- Noreen Roth Henig, M.D., Chief Medical Officer
- Craig S. Lammert, M.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine, and Executive Director of the Autoimmune Hepatitis Association
- Neel Anand, D. Phil. (Ph.D.), Senior Vice President, Research and Drug Discovery
To register for this event, please visit the Events & Presentations page of Kezar’s website. On the day of the event, a live webcast and conference call will be accessible from the Events & Presentations page of Kezar’s website. Additionally, a replay of the event will be available for 90 days following the presentation.
About Zetomipzomib
Zetomipzomib (KZR-616) is a novel, first-in-class, selective immunoproteasome inhibitor with broad therapeutic potential across multiple autoimmune diseases. Preclinical research demonstrates that selective immunoproteasome inhibition results in a broad anti-inflammatory response in animal models of several autoimmune diseases, while avoiding immunosuppression. Data generated from Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials provide evidence that zetomipzomib exhibits a favorable safety and tolerability profile for development in severe, chronic autoimmune diseases.
About Lupus Nephritis
Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most serious complications of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). LN is a disease comprising a spectrum of vascular, glomerular and tubulointerstitial lesions and develops in approximately 50% of SLE patients within 10 years of their initial diagnosis. LN is associated with considerable morbidity, including an increased risk of end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis or renal transplantation and an increased risk of death. There are limited approved therapies for the treatment of LN. Management typically consists of induction therapy to achieve remission and long-term maintenance therapy to prevent relapse.
About Autoimmune Hepatitis
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare chronic disease in which the immune system attacks the liver and causes inflammation and tissue damage, severely impacting patients’ physical health and quality of life. Lifelong maintenance therapy is required to avoid relapse and burdensome adverse effects. If left untreated, AIH can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma. In the United States, AIH affects approximately 140,000 individuals, with incidence rates increasing. The cause of this condition remains unclear, with females affected four times as often as males. Currently, standard of care treatment for AIH is chronic, immunosuppressive treatment with corticosteroids that frequently cause life-altering side effects, including diabetes, osteoporotic fractures and cataracts. There is a significant need for treatment regimens that reduce or remove the need for chronic immunosuppression from using corticosteroids.
About KZR-261 and the Inhibition of Protein Secretion
KZR-261 is a first-in-class small molecule compound, derived from Kezar’s research and discovery platform of protein secretion pathway inhibitors. This broad-spectrum anti-tumor agent directly targets the Sec61 translocon and inhibits multiple cancer drivers both within tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment. A Phase 1 clinical trial is underway for the treatment of solid tumor malignancies.
Kezar’s drug discovery platform of protein secretion pathway inhibitors is a novel approach with broad application. The protein secretion pathway is a highly conserved and ubiquitously functioning pathway in all cells in the body and involves a conserved protein complex called the Sec61 translocon, the target of Kezar’s compounds. In preclinical models, Kezar’s library of protein secretion inhibitors have demonstrated broad activity with far-reaching potential in oncology, immune-oncology, and autoimmunity.
About Kezar Life Sciences
Kezar Life Sciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company discovering and developing novel treatments for immune-mediated and oncologic disorders. The company is pioneering first-in-class, small-molecule therapies that harness master regulators of cellular function to inhibit multiple drivers of disease via single, powerful targets. Zetomipzomib, its lead development asset, is a selective immunoproteasome inhibitor that has completed a Phase 2 clinical trial in lupus nephritis. This product candidate also has the potential to address multiple chronic immune-mediated diseases. KZR-261 is the first anti-cancer clinical candidate from the company’s platform targeting the Sec61 translocon and the protein secretion pathway. An open-label dose-escalation Phase 1 clinical trial of KZR-261 to assess safety, tolerability and preliminary tumor activity in solid tumors is underway. For more information, visit www.kezarlifesciences.com.
Contacts
Investor Contact:
Gitanjali Jain
Vice President, Investor Relations and External Affairs
gjain@kezarbio.com
Media Contact:
Julia Deutsch
Solebury Strategic Communications
jdeutsch@soleburystrat.com