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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.
Cellartis AB is a Brooklyn, NY-based company in the Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, and Biotech sector.
Carisma Therapeutics Inc. is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on utilizing our proprietary macrophage and monocyte cell engineering platform to develop transformative immunotherapies to treat cancer and other serious diseases. We have created a comprehensive, differentiated proprietary cell therapy platform focused on engineered macrophages and monocytes, cells that play a crucial role in both the innate and adaptive immune response. The first applications of the platform, developed in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania, are autologous chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-macrophages for the treatment of solid tumors. Carisma Therapeutics is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA.
Prothena Corporation plc (Nasdaq: PRTA) Prothena is a global biotechnology company seeking to fundamentally alter the course of progressive diseases. We are a late-stage clinical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel protein immunotherapies for the treatment of diseases that involve protein misfolding and inflammatory cell adhesion disorders. Our team has a recognized track record both for profound scientific discoveries and for the development of therapeutics that have become leading commercial products in their respective therapeutic categories. Prothena`s pipeline focuses on therapeutic monoclonal antibodies directed specifically to disease-causing proteins and our antibody-based product candidates target a number of potential indications, including AL amyloidosis (NEOD001), Parkinson’s disease and other related synucleinopathies (PRX002), ATTR amyloidosis (PRX004), and novel cell adhesion targets involved in psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and other inflammatory diseases (PRX003). Prior to December 2012, Prothena’s business operated as part of Elan Corporation, plc. Prothena’s business consists of a substantial portion of Elan’s former drug discovery business platform. After the separation from Elan and the related distribution of our ordinary shares to Elan’s stockholders, our ordinary shares began trading on The Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “PRTA” on December 21, 2012.
Atreca is a biotechnology company that develops novel therapeutics through a deep understanding of the human immune response, with a focus on innovative novel cancer immunotherapeutics. With its Immune Repertoire Capture™ (IRC™) technology, Atreca has an unparalleled insight into how cancer patients` immune responses can drive better clinical outcomes. Atreca was founded by scientists, industry experts, and investors who share the vision that unlocking the immune response of today`s patients is the key to creating a new generation of therapies. Atreca is looking for talented, entrepreneurial people who are dedicated to making a positive impact on human health.