Kezar Appoints Rheumatology Industry Expert, Micki Klearman, MD, to its Board of Directors
Kezar Life Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: KZR) has appointed Dr. Micki Klearman to its Board of Directors. Dr. Klearman, who brings over a decade of biopharmaceutical expertise, has significantly advanced treatments for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and Giant Cell Arteritis during her tenure at Genentech/Roche. Her addition is expected to enhance Kezar's strategic direction as the company focuses on developing innovative therapies for immune-mediated diseases. This leadership change aims to leverage Dr. Klearman's experience to drive the company's research and clinical programs forward.
- Micki Klearman's extensive experience in immunology and rheumatology can guide Kezar's strategic focus.
- Her success in advancing treatments at Genentech/Roche is expected to enhance the Board's capabilities.
- Her appointment may lead to innovative perspectives on developing therapies for autoimmune diseases.
- Potential gaps in continuity as the company integrates a new director with a different organizational background.
Kezar Life Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: KZR), a clinical-stage biotechnology company discovering and developing breakthrough treatments for immune-mediated and oncologic disorders, today announced the appointment of Micki Klearman, M.D. to its Board of Directors.
“Micki’s addition to the board is instrumental as we continue to evaluate the broad therapeutic potential of Kezar’s lead program to treat a number of immune-mediated diseases,” said Jean-Pierre Sommadossi, Ph.D., Chairman of the Board at Kezar. “She has made significant contributions to the fields of immunology and rheumatology, especially in advancing ground-breaking treatments for patients with autoimmune and other immune-mediated diseases. Her expertise will prove extremely valuable in the boardroom, and on behalf of Kezar and the Board of Directors, I am delighted to welcome Micki and look forward to working with her.”
Dr. Klearman added, “I’m thrilled to join Kezar’s Board of Directors and lend my expertise to a team that is deeply committed to developing powerful new therapies for patients with autoimmune diseases where limited effective treatment options exist. I hope to make a positive and lasting impact on Kezar as we advance our programs and tackle some of the most difficult-to-treat diseases.”
Dr. Klearman brings over a decade of biopharmaceutical experience to Kezar’s board, holding roles of increasing strategic responsibility at Genentech/Roche where she advanced the treatment paradigm for rheumatoid arthritis (Actemra®, Rituxan®) and pioneered the research and eventual approval of the first biologic therapy for the sight – and life-threatening disease Giant Cell Arteritis. As a Group Medical Director in Immunology at Genentech, Dr. Klearman led a multinational team in the UK, US and China in the pursuit of breakthrough therapeutics for autoimmune disease where she was lauded for her ability to translate bench research to patient care, as well as her ability to guide her teams through challenging international health authority approval negotiations.
Dr. Klearman received her M.D. from the Washington University School of Medicine where she also received her training in rheumatology and internal medicine. Prior to entering the biopharmaceutical industry, Dr. Klearman ran a 2-decade long 3,000 patient Rheumatology/Internal Medicine clinical practice at the Washington University Medical Center, where she was recognized for her excellent patient care and teaching. She is also an author on numerous peer-reviewed scientific papers.
About Kezar Life Sciences
Kezar Life Sciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company bringing novel treatments to patients with rare autoimmune diseases and cancer. The company is pioneering first-in-class, small-molecule therapies that harness master regulators of cellular function to inhibit multiple drivers of disease via single, powerful targets. KZR-616, its lead development candidate, is a selective immunoproteasome inhibitor being evaluated in Phase 2 clinical trials in lupus nephritis, dermatomyositis and polymyositis. Additionally, KZR-261, the first anti-cancer clinical candidate from the company’s platform targeting the Sec61 translocon and the protein secretion pathway, is undergoing IND-enabling activities. For more information, visit www.kezarlifesciences.com.
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