Kezar Life Sciences (NASDAQ:KZR) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Redwood City, California, dedicated to developing novel therapies in immunology and oncology. Founded in 2012, Kezar combines cutting-edge science with targeted drug discovery to address serious autoimmune and inflammatory diseases as well as certain cancers. The company leverages proprietary platforms and deep expertise in small-molecule therapeutics to produce selective inhibitors that modulate immune pathways.
The company’s lead candidate, KZR-616, is a first-in-class selective inhibitor of the immunoproteasome, designed to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other autoimmune conditions. KZR-616 has advanced through Phase 1 clinical trials, demonstrating favorable safety and pharmacodynamic profiles. Beyond immunoproteasome inhibition, Kezar is advancing complementary research programs targeting alternative immune-regulatory enzymes, with the goal of expanding its pipeline into additional indications such as myositis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Kezar conducts its research and development activities across facilities in the United States and Europe, collaborating with academic institutions, contract research organizations and patient advocacy groups. The company maintains strategic partnerships to accelerate clinical development and broaden access to patients worldwide. Kezar’s multidisciplinary team of scientists, clinicians and regulatory experts drives a pipeline that spans discovery through late-stage clinical development, with a focus on precision-based immunotherapies.
Under the leadership of President and CEO Dr. Vic T. Zhou, Kezar is committed to translating scientific innovation into transformative medicines. The executive team brings decades of experience in drug development, regulatory strategy and commercialization, positioning the company to advance its pipeline toward regulatory milestones, strategic collaborations and market authorization in key global territories.
