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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.
AGC Biologics is a leading global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), with a relentless commitment to deliver the highest standard of service to our clients and partners.
The focus of Regen BioPharma, Inc. is to developing translational medicine platforms for the rapid commercialization of stem cell therapies and to advance intellectual property licensed from entities, institutions and universities that show promise towards fulfilling the purpose of increased quality of life. Regen BioPharma has reviewed more than 20,000 US issued patents covering stem cell related subject matter, created a shortlist of 30 promising technologies for rapid commercialization, and currently is in negotiations to license several of these. The Regen BioPharma business model is to take multiple stem cell therapeutics to and through the human "safety and signal of efficacy" stage (Phase I/II clinical trials), followed by exit. Having assembled a core infrastructure specialized in obtaining regulatory approval and executing clinical trials in cell therapy, we aim to act as a "superincubator" that within 1-2 years grows technologies from laboratory to an asset ready for spin-off or sale.
Vital Therapies, Inc. is a biotherapeutic company focused on developing a cell-based system for the treatment of acute liver failure. Our product candidate, the ELAD® System, is a human cell-based, bio-artificial liver support system that operates outside the body, or extracorporeally, and is designed with the proposed intent to allow the patient’s own liver to regenerate to a healthy state, or to stabilize the patient until liver transplant. The ELAD System incorporates our human liver-derived cells, or VTL C3A cells, contained in four hollow fiber cartridges, that are combined with single use customized disposable sets and an ancillary delivery system. Data from ELAD clinical studies has shown trends that may indicate a potential to increase survival rates in patients with acute liver failure. ELAD has received orphan designation in the United States and Europe for the treatment of acute liver failure. Prior to the initiation of our ongoing Phase III clinical trial program, over 145 subjects have received therapy with the ELAD System in seven clinical trials and through a compassionate use program, which we believe collectively suggests a promising therapeutic profile. In March 2013, we initiated VTI-208, a Phase III randomized, controlled clinical trial in 200 subjects with alcohol-induced liver decompensation. We reached the midpoint in enrollment of this trial in April 2014, and anticipate the release of preliminary data in the first half of 2015. In addition, we are conducting a second Phase III randomized, controlled clinical trial, VTI-210, in 150 subjects with severe acute alcoholic hepatitis, or AAH, which is a subset of AILD, and expect to initiate enrollment of subjects later in 2014. In the second quarter of 2014, we began enrollment of a Phase II clinical trial of the ELAD System in subjects with either fulminant hepatic failure, or FHF, or surgery-induced acute liver failure, or SILF. We anticipate the release of data from VTI-210 in 2016 and the Phase II component of VTI-212 in 2015 or 2016.
Tomtec Inc is a Hamden, CT-based company in the Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, and Biotech sector.