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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.
Advanced Cell Diagnostics, Inc. (ACD) is a leader in the emerging field of molecular pathology, developing cell- and tissue-based diagnostic tests for personalized medicine. Based in the heart of Silicon Valley, ACD was founded and managed by experienced entrepreneurs in the life science industry. ACD’s products and services are based on its proprietary RNAscope® Technology, the first multiplex fluorescent and chromogenic in situ hybridization platform capable of detecting and quantifying RNA biomarkers in situ at single molecule sensitivity. In addition to its ongoing efforts to develop proprietary diagnostic tests for cancer management, ACD also establishes partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to validate biomarkers for targeted therapeutic development. These internal and external efforts will continue to position ACD as a leader in molecular diagnostics and companion diagnostics. The company’s technology overcomes critical hurdles in the identification and validation of biomarkers for companion diagnostics. ACD’s RNAscope® platform provides a new way of localizing and measuring RNA in situ with exceptional levels of sensitivity, specificity, and the ability to multiplex. Turnaround time for a new assay is reduced to three weeks. These advantages make the technology a powerful tool to address the issue of patient and disease heterogeneity, thus shortening the path to personalized medicine.
Affitech USA is a Walnut Creek, CA-based company in the Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, and Biotech sector.
Surrozen is a biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing novel regenerative medicines with a focus on unlocking the powerful self-renewal properties of the body through specific control of the Wnt signaling pathway.
Capstan Therapeutics is a biotechnology company dedicated to advancing in vivo cell reprogramming. The core platform technology comprises proprietary targeted lipid nanoparticles conjugated with a recombinant protein binder such as monoclonal antibodies (tLNPs) designed to deliver payloads, including mRNA or gene editing tools, that can reprogram specific cell types in vivo. The platform technology has the potential to generate transformative therapies with applications across a broad range of disease areas, including oncology, autoimmune disorders, fibrosis, and monogenic blood disorders.