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Kezar Life Sciences Reports Second Quarter 2019 Financial Results and Provides Business Update
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kezar Life Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: KZR), a clinical-stage biotechnology company discovering and developing novel small molecule therapeutics to treat unmet needs in autoimmunity and cancer, today announced its second quarter 2019 financial results and corporate highlights. “I’m proud of the tremendous progress made by the team over the quarter, culminating with the first-in-patient data reported with KZR-616,” said John Fowler, Chief Executive Officer. “The broad therapeutic potential demonstrated thus far by KZR-616 reinforces our view that selective immunoproteasome inhibition can target multiple autoimmune diseases. To that end, in addition to having initiated the Phase 2 portion of the MISSION study in lupus nephritis patients, we are pleased to announce that the Phase 2 PRESIDIO and MARINA trials have commenced in four additional autoimmune indications—dermatomyositis, polymyositis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and immune thrombocytopenia. Furthermore, we remain on-track to nominate the first oncology clinical candidate from our novel protein secretion program before the end of the year.” Recent Clinical and Business Highlights KZR-616 (Selective Immunoproteasome Inhibitor) MISSION Study The Phase 1b/2 MISSION study in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with and without nephritis is currently ongoing.
PRESIDIO Study
MARINA Study
Protein Secretion Program (Sec61 translocon modulation)
Management Update Kezar announced today that Niti Goel, MD, Chief Medical Officer, will be departing the company following a transition period ending October 1, 2019. “On behalf of the Executive Team and Board of Directors, I would like to sincerely thank Niti for her contributions during her tenure at Kezar,” said John Fowler, Chief Executive Officer. “Niti’s exceptional skill designing innovative clinical trials and her unwavering commitment to patients has positioned KZR-616 for success in our Phase 2 studies and will be missed.” Financial Results
About KZR-616 KZR-616 is a novel, first-in-class, selective immunoproteasome inhibitor with broad therapeutic potential across multiple autoimmune diseases. Nonclinical research demonstrates that selective immunoproteasome inhibition results in a broad anti-inflammatory response in animal models of several autoimmune diseases, while avoiding immunosuppression. Phase 1a clinical trial results in healthy volunteers provide evidence that KZR-616 potentially avoids adverse effects caused by currently marketed non-selective proteasome inhibitors, which we believe prevent them from being utilized as a chronic treatment in autoimmune disorders. Phase 2 trials have commenced for the treatment of lupus nephritis (MISSION study), dermatomyositis and polymyositis (PRESIDIO study), and autoimmune hemolytic anemia and immune thrombocytopenia (MARINA study). About Protein Secretion We are conducting research and discovery efforts targeting protein secretion pathways as potential therapies for oncology and immuno-oncology indications. In mammalian cells, the secretion of proteins such as cytokines and the expression of cell surface transmembrane proteins such as cytokine receptors involve a process called cotranslational translocation. For most proteins, this process occurs via the Sec61 translocon, a highly conserved multi-subunit protein complex found in the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum of all cells. Inhibition of the Sec61 translocon with small molecules blocks the secretion of some or all proteins, which can result in several physiologic outcomes, including altered cellular function, inhibition of cytokine release and/or cell death. We believe this platform has the potential to yield oral small molecule alternatives to currently marketed biologic therapeutics, to act as cytotoxic anti-cancer agents or to block the secretion of novel targets of interest in immuno-oncology or inflammation. About Kezar Life Sciences Based in South San Francisco, Kezar Life Sciences is a clinical-stage biotechnology company committed to revolutionizing treatments for patients with autoimmune diseases and cancer. Kezar is translating its innovative research on the immunoproteasome and protein secretion pathways to advance novel therapeutic approaches. KZR-616, a first-in-class selective immunoproteasome inhibitor, is being evaluated in severe and underserved autoimmune diseases. Additionally, Kezar plans to nominate an initial clinical candidate for the treatment of cancer from its protein secretion program before the end of the year. For more information, visit www.kezarlifesciences.com. Cautionary Note on Forward-looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions or circumstances) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Kezar’s expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release. Each of these forward-looking statements involves risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to, the design, progress, timing, scope and results of clinical trials, the anticipated timing of disclosure of results of clinical trials, the likelihood data will support future development, the association of data with treatment outcomes, the likelihood of obtaining regulatory approval of Kezar’s product candidates, and the discovery and development of new product candidates. Factors that may cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements in this press release are discussed in Kezar’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the “Risk Factors” contained therein. Except as required by law, Kezar assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in expectations, even as new information becomes available. CONTACTS:
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