Kezar Life Sciences, Inc. (KZR), a biotech company developing treatments for immune-mediated and oncologic disorders, has launched a restructuring program to focus on its clinical-stage programs and extend its cash runway into late 2026.
The company expects to achieve important data readouts for its lead candidates zetomipzomib and KZR-261 in lupus nephritis, autoimmune hepatitis and solid tumors.
As part of the restructuring, Kezar will reduce its workforce by 41%, pause its research and drug discovery activities, and explore strategic partnerships for its protein secretion platform and preclinical programs. Kezar will also evaluate its ongoing Phase 1 trial of KZR-261 in solid tumors and reduce the number of planned expansion cohorts.
Kezar also announced leadership changes, with co-founder and CEO John Fowler resigning effective November 7, 2023, and co-founder and board member Christopher Kirk, Ph.D. taking over as CEO. Dr. Kirk previously served as Kezar’s President and Chief Scientific Officer from March 2015 to April 2023. Fowler will remain on the board of directors. In addition, Chief Medical Officer Noreen Roth Henig, M.D., will step down effective October 6, 2023, and Zung To, SVP, Clinical Development Operations, will assume responsibilities for clinical trial execution.