| Name | Title | Contact Details |
|---|
Kezar co-founder Christopher Kirk, Ph.D. began his work on the unique function of the immunoproteasome at Proteolix in 2005, while working on the compound that would become the successful multiple myeloma drug KYPROLIS™ (carfilzomib). As VP of Research at Onyx Pharmaceuticals, which acquired Proteolix in 2009, Christopher led the efforts to develop the first selective inhibitors of the immunoproteasome and designed multiple studies demonstrating their profound immunomodulatory effects. In parallel with this work, Christopher and Kezar co-founder Jack Taunton, Ph.D. collaborated on several research projects involving protein secretion. This collaboration inspired a belief in the strong synergies between protein degradation and protein secretion, two fertile areas for drug discovery with platform potential. In 2014, Christopher and Kezar co-founder John Fowler began developing the business plan for Kezar, acting on a longstanding desire to work together and build a world-class company. In 2015, John and Christopher raised $23M and negotiated a worldwide, exclusive license agreement with Amgen for the Onyx immunoproteasome inhibitor patent estate. Now underway, John and Christopher are excited to leverage their complementary skill sets to build Kezar into a leader in small molecule drug development.
MB Research Laboratories is a Spinnerstown, PA-based company in the Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, & Biotech sector.
La Jolla Bioengineering Institute is a San Diego, CA-based company in the Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, and Biotech sector.
Labo America Inc is a Fremont, CA-based company in the Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, and Biotech sector.
Dianthus is a biotechnology company dedicated to designing and delivering the next generation of best-in-class monoclonal antibodies with improved selectivity and potency. Led by a multidisciplinary team of seasoned biotech entrepreneurs and scientists, we are pioneering selective antibodies of validated and emerging complement targets to allow people with rare and severe autoimmune diseases live healthier lives to their fullest potential.