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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.
Kowa Research Institute is a Morrisville, NC-based company in the Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, and Biotech sector.
Zosano Pharma Inc is a Fremont, CA-based company in the Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, and Biotech sector.
Royal DSM is a global science-based company active in health, nutrition and materials. By connecting its unique competences in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences DSM is driving economic prosperity, environmental progress and social advances to create sustainable value for all stakeholders simultaneously. DSM delivers innovative solutions that nourish, protect and improve performance in global markets such as food and dietary supplements, personal care, feed, medical devices, automotive, paints, electrical and electronics, life protection, alternative energy and bio-based materials. DSM and its associated companies deliver annual net sales of about €10 billion with approximately 25,000 employees. The company is listed on Euronext Amsterdam.
PCI Pharma Services is a global leader in Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) services, offering integrated solutions for drug development, manufacturing, and packaging. The company focuses on innovation and patient-centric approaches, supporting pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies at various stages of drug development and commercialization. With 30 Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facilities across seven countries, PCI employs over 4,300 people dedicated to delivering life-changing therapies. The company provides a comprehensive range of services, including drug development and manufacturing for various dosage forms, advanced drug delivery systems, and complex packaging solutions. PCI also manages storage, distribution, and logistics to support the pharmaceutical supply chain and offers clinical trial supply chain management. Committed to growth, PCI has made significant investments, including a $100 million expansion in New England to enhance its global capacity and capabilities.