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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.
Novan, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on leveraging nitric oxide`s natural antiviral and immunomodulatory mechanisms of action to treat dermatological and oncovirus-mediated diseases. We believe that our ability to conveniently deploy nitric oxide in a solid form, on demand and in localized formulations allows us the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes in a variety of diseases.
Founded in 2011, Intact Vascular located in Wayne, PA is a privately held medical device company that develops minimally invasive peripheral vascular products. The Tack Endovascular System™ is designed to optimize peripheral balloon angioplasty results in the treatment of peripheral artery disease. This technology will offer physicians a new treatment option for treating peripheral artery disease. Intact Vascular is committed to developing safe, efficacious and easy to use products for patients with vascular disease and for the physicians who treat them.
Discovery Genomics is a Minneapolis, MN-based company in the Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, and Biotech sector.
Reichert Analytical Instruments is a Depew, NY-based company in the Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, and Biotech sector.